Citizen of the Week: Roger Rollins’ ‘enthusiasm is infectious’

Published 11:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2024

Roger Rollins has coordinated meals for the Family Support Council’s Camp AIM for more than 10 years, according to friend Pam Partain.

Camp AIM is a free two-week day camp for children, and Rollins makes sure the campers, staff and helpers have a hearty breakfast and lunch and snacks.

Founded in 1986, the Family Support Council focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect in Whitfield and Murray counties. Among other services, it provides residential services and life skills coaching to teen mothers, advocacy services for abused and neglected children, support groups and other activities for grandparents raising grandchildren, and parenting classes.

“Rollins recruits a corps of volunteers (most from his church, Dalton’s First Presbyterian Church) to staff breakfast and lunch service,” Partain said. “He prepares menus, grocery shops, coordinates with local vendors, and does most of the cooking himself for the meals that will be served to approximately 60 hungry folks.”

A typical breakfast might include eggs, oatmeal, a sausage biscuit and fruit.

“He shies away from processed foods as much as possible, opting instead to make most of the wholesome meals fresh on-site,” Partain said.

Rollins undertook the tasks to support his wife, Peggy, who has worked as a counselor at the camp.

“His enthusiasm is infectious, among workers and campers alike,” Partain said. “He knows what new campers do not: That while they may arrive on day one a little anxious and wary of what camp has to offer, they will most likely leave after two weeks brimming with self-confidence and smiles and a bunch of new friends, including ‘Mr. Roger,’ the nice man who fixes them eggs and grits.”

For his efforts to make sure Camp AIM runs smoothly, the Dalton Daily Citizen names Roger Rollins Citizen of the Week.