First Lady Hosts Kids First Event for “Totes 2 Tots”

1/18/08 Today First Lady Mary Perdue collected bags and suitcases for the sixth annual “Totes 2 Tots” suitcase drive. The drive, hosted by Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) and WSB-TV, is a volunteer event designed to provide suitcases to area foster children. Mrs. Perdue’s event in Decatur is a part of her ongoing effort through the Kids First Initiative, a program to highlight volunteer opportunities with abused and neglected children.

“Today’s event highlights the efforts of Georgians to help improve the lives of foster children in our communities,” said First Lady Perdue. “By traveling the state to talk about the Kid’s First Initiative, we can encourage others to make a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child.”

“Totes 2 Tots” delivers new or nearly new suitcases to foster children in Georgia, whom undergo frequent locations and must shuffle their few belongings from home to home – often in garbage bags or grocery sacks. The event expanded from 13 locations in 2003 to 25 locations this year where volunteers gathered to collect bags. The annual volunteer event was first launched by GCS in 2003 and has collected and distributed over 8,200 bags.

Kids First is an initiative of the Our Children Campaign. First Lady Mary Perdue travels across Georgia hosting monthly activities highlighting an area of volunteerism with abused and neglected children. Past Kids First events have included a baby shower to benefit Families First, Foster Parent Appreciation Night at the Governor’s Mansion, a book drive in North Georgia to benefit a local child advocacy center and an event for the children of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.

“Some people may impact the lives of many children, but everyone has the ability to impact the life of at least one child,” said First Lady Mary Perdue. “It is my hope that every Georgian will make volunteerism a lasting part of their daily life.”

To find out more information or to learn how you can support the foster children in your community, visit www.gov.georgia.gov and follow the link to the First Lady's Our Children Campaign or call 1-866-786-6661.