Love Rolls: DeKalb exceeds goal in toilet paper drive to help the needy

Kendall Robinson, 17, is on a roll. DeKalb County employees and residents teamed up to help Robinson collect rolls of toilet paper for the homeless during a February drive sponsored by the office of DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. DeKalb County collected 7,000 rolls exceeding its goal of collecting 3,000 rolls of toilet paper for Love Rolls, Inc., a nonprofit that Robinson founded.

The toilet paper was collected at several locations throughout DeKalb County from Feb. 12 to Feb. 23. Various county departments, along with the offices of District Attorney Sherry Boston and Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. Additionally, Cedar Grove High School, DeKalb High School of Technology-South and Cedar Grove and Flat Shoals elementary schools participated in the drive.

“The county is pleased to support a project that addresses one of the most basic needs for humans,” CEO Thurmond said. “Our donation helps The Love Rolls project restore and protect the dignity of the homeless, needy and those who have gone through a natural disaster.”

Robinson said she was inspired to start Love Rolls, Inc. after volunteering at the Youth Summit hosted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank in 2015.

“A homeless man shared with me how he would have to ration out one roll of toilet paper to make it last a whole month,” said Robinson. “Toilet paper is a luxury that a lot of people take for granted.”

Robinson’s younger sister, Kaylin, and other volunteers pitched in to accept and distribute the donations, which are stored in a donated warehouse.

Love Rolls, which has gained national attention, has collected more than 225,000 rolls of toilet paper to homeless individuals and others in need as well as those impacted by natural disasters. The nonprofit donates the toilet paper to community ministries and other nonprofits that serve those in need. Robinson said her goal is to collect 1 million rolls of toilet paper.

Costco, Marriott hotels, and Scott toilet paper have been major sponsors for Love Rolls, Inc.

Robinson received a letter from President Barack Obama honoring her efforts. George’s Secretary of State Brian Kemp also honored Robinson and her sister with the Georgia Citizen Award for their community service.

Robinson, who will be presented a proclamation for “Love Rolls Day in DeKalb County” from CEO Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners on March 13, said she is grateful for DeKalb’s participation.

“To the people of DeKalb County, thank you so much for hopping on board and just standing with me and supporting me,” Robinson said. “I’m just so glad that you are so eager to give back to your communities.”