"It was a great day for

our practice, the participating communities, and the foster children,"

said GCS CEO Dr. Bruce Feinberg. "The efforts of our employees and

all those who donated their totes will have a lasting effect on the kids

who will receive them."

Fifty-five GCS workers at 12

offices in Atlanta and Macon volunteered to collect suitcases on MLK Day,

a holiday for the practice.

"Our staff was very generous

with their time," said Dr. Feinberg. "They truly understand

that this holiday is not designed as a day off, but a day to direct our

efforts toward the community."

This year's total of 2,300

bags more than doubled the amount collected in 2003, the inaugural year

of the event.

GCS organized the suitcase

drive to help foster children ease the pain of their frequent and forced

relocations. "We know of children in foster care who have had to

carry their clothes and schoolbooks in garbage bags," said Dr. Feinberg.

"With the simple gift of a nice tote bag or suitcase, we hope to,

in some small way, brighten the lives of children who endure the potential

trauma of foster care."

Monetary donations, coats,

diaper bags, and teddy bears were also collected.