Like many firms in Atlanta and elsewhere, marketing firm Trevelino/Keller employees are mostly working from home these days to quell spread of coronavirus.
The sudden shift in practice created a goodwill opportunity. An empty office has left the firm with a supply of toilet paper, which founders decided to give away.
“In times like this, we need a bit of levity to break up the stress associated with ever-changing dynamics due to the coronavirus,” says Genna Keller, principal at Trevelino/Keller.
The company invited people to drive by its West Midtown office Monday evening with windows rolled down. Then, employees wearing gloves tossed rolls into the windows. Residents including Rachel Jimenez and T.J. Dudley, below, were among the grateful recipients.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Keller hopes other businesses whose facilities are suddenly sitting vacant will follow suit.
“We see the potential for the platform to address other impending household needs and are exploring additional ways we can use it to help the Atlanta community,” she said.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, retailers across metro Atlanta and the nation have had a hard time keeping toilet paper and other paper products in stock. Even Amazon is running short.
Steven Taylor, a clinical psychologist who studies the impact of pandemics, told CNN that to some degree perceived scarcity is driving demand.
"People, being social creatures, we look to each other for cues for what is safe and what is dangerous," he said. "And when you see someone in the store, panic buying, that can cause a fear contagion effect."
Eric Abercrombie, a spokesman for Georgia-Pacific, told the Birmingham News that they are currently seeing two times typical demand from retailers, but insists they will not run out.
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
Credit: Alyssa Pointer
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