Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS)—a Top 10 private cancer practice in the U.S.—collected 3,530 new and nearly bags during the ninth annual Totes to Tots suitcase drive for foster children.

The event was held Friday, January 21, at 22 GCS offices across the state, a GCS news release says.

Totes to Tots delivers new or nearly new backpacks and kid-sized suitcases to foster children in Georgia—from infants to teenagers—many of whom must shuffle their belongings from home to home in garbage bags during frequent relocations.

The annual volunteer event was first launched by GCS in 2003 and has collected and distributed more than 25,500 bags.

Originally held on Martin Luther King Day as a way to honor Dr. King’s vision and give back to the community, Totes is now held on the Friday before MLK Day as a kickoff to a weekend of service.

The 2011 event was pushed back a week due to the recent icy winter weather conditions.

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Adult Education student Julian Gallemore was selected as CGTC’s 2011 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Ambassador.

The 2011 Annual Recognition Banquet will be held January 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.  at Macon State College in Macon, Georgia. 

This year the 2010 Class of Eagle Scouts and Silver Beaver Award Recipients, Council Officers, as well as a volunteer for being elected in the BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership and a great year of Scouting will be recognized.   

 In addition, the keynote speaker for the evening will be Assistant Chief Scout Executive Robert “Alf” Tuggle, National Boy Scouts of America. 

A native of Monticello, GA, Tuggle oversees the Marketing Group, which includes public relations, the 100th Anniversary Celebration and publications including Scouting and Boys’ Life magazines.