Last year Toys for Tots distributed over 500,000 toys to boys and girls across the Metro-Atlanta Area and 7.2 million gifts to children in over 700 communities nationwide to children in need.

Starting November 14th, 2011 all Ankle & Foot Centers locations will be official drop off sites. These distinctly decorated boxes will be on display in the waiting room of our offices until the second week of December. Donated gifts are not limited to just toys; books, games and sports equipment will also be accepted. These gifts will make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children, also providing a memorable Christmas that they will cherish for a lifetime.

As Ankle & Foot embarks on its first year of the Toys for Tots Campaign, we ask that you take the time and support the cause to bring a smile to a child less fortunate and donate today at one of our 10 various locations. Every child deserves a gift on Christmas day.

Volunteer doctors of podiatry and staff members from The Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia were stationed along the route, which spanned 20 miles on the first day and 10 miles on the second day. At each “B’rest” stop, these “Foot Angels” treated ailments ranging from blisters to sprained ankles, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, calluses, bunions, and strains.

“The fight against breast cancer is not a single battle,” Dr. Joseph Giovinco said. “It’s an ongoing struggle that is faced with courage and determination. It is, in fact, a journey. From innocence to mature awareness, and a voyage such as this should never be taken lightly. After taking part in such an extraordinary event we will think of those who have walked their course or simply could not complete their journey in the fight against breast cancer.”

This year’s walk took walkers on a scenic and memorable route which led them through historic in-town neighborhoods, new developing areas, and parkways, including lunch on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion before finishing at Pemberton Place at The World of Coca-Cola.

“It was by far an emotional weekend for everyone. For the walkers, it was the challenge of completing the journey for themselves, in honor of a friend, a family member or simply for the cause. For the volunteers it was the echoes of the heart-felt stories, the tears in walkers’ eyes, and the language of walkers’ bodies telling the stories of their pain who at the end of it all would say, “If I can survive cancer, I can endure a few blisters.”

About Ankle And Foot Centers of Georgia: Founded in 1982, the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia has since become one of the biggest associations of board-certified Podiatrists in Georgia. They can be found in 11 convenient locations around the Metro Atlanta area. Over the past three decades, the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia has become the leading  group of Podiatrists in Atlanta Their doctors are well trained and well renowned and provide the utmost quality of care for their patients.

Special Olympics is the first – and still the only – organization to offer training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Over the past 40 years, the organization has grown exponentially and has helped thousands of children and adults in the process. The number of active athletes has grown to 22,000 participating in 23 sports.

Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia and Piedmont Podiatry was the only Foot and Ankle specialist providing free evaluations and treatment recommendations for the athletes.

“We were honored to be invited by the health leadership team of the Special Olympics to provide our expertise to the Olympians,” Dr. Gregory Alvarez said.

Lead by Staff Podiatrists Drs. Ketan Patel and Gregory Alvarez, their team of 16 staff members were able to conduct over 50 full evaluation and consultations. Deformities such as flat feet, lower leg misalignments, bunions, hammertoes, and various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, diabetes, Achilles tendon disorders, and sports overuse syndromes were addressed with the athletes. Where necessary, treatment plans were instituted with referrals for follow up care.

Ankle and Foots Centers of Georgia is a podiatry practice that has been dedicated to serving greater Atlanta’s Foot and Ankle Care needs for the last 29 years. With 10 convenient locations and 11 highly skilled physicians and surgeons, the practice’s mission is not only to improve the quality of life of individuals here in Atlanta, but throughout the world.

When asked about the unique opportunity in participating in such an event, Dr. Patel responded

“I’ve volunteered my time with special Olympics since I was a young teenager, and I’ve always found that the love and appreciation that we receive from the athletes and families for our services is priceless. It leaves you wanting to do more for these exceptional athletes.”

Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia and Piedmont Podiatry is proud to be “keeping life in motion!” for these exceptional individuals and athletes.