GA Cancer Specialists and Northside hospital collecting backpack - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

(WTVM) – Georgia Cancer Specialists and Northside Hospital are hosting the 16th annual Totes 2 Tots drive.

This drive will collect backpacks and suitcases for foster children in Georgia. There are 28 drop-off locations, including one in Columbus located at New Apostolic Church on Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than 31,000 children, from infants to teenagers, are currently in the foster care system in Georgia. Many of these children shuffle their belongings in garbage bags when they are removed from their homes.

Totes 2 Tots aims to change this by giving every foster child in Georgia a new or nearly new backpack, duffel bag or suitcase.

"The totes 2 tots program allows foster children the ability to transport their belongings with a sense of dignity,” said Virginia Pryor.

This event was originally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a way to honor Dr. King’s vision of philanthropy and give back to the community.

The event is now held the preceding Thursday-Saturday to kick-off a weekend of service in his honor.

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