First New York FCU has collected over 5,000 rolls of toilet paper and over 2,000 rolls of paper towels that will be donated to Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, an agency made up of programs that assist the needy and less fortunate with the basic necessities of life.

The initiative was developed to assist Capital Region residents who are on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.  Individuals who receive SNAP benefits are not permitted to purchase personal hygiene products—including deodorant, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent or toilet paper—through the program.

“Through my volunteering efforts with Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, it came to my attention that individuals who receive public assistance are not able to purchase personal hygiene items, including toilet paper, with their food stamp benefits,” said First New York FCU President/CEO Lucy G. Halstead. “First New York’s philosophy of ‘people helping people’ came into play as the credit union initiated a team-wide effort to collect over 5,000 rolls of toilet paper and over 2,000 rolls of paper towels… This effort complements First New York’s mission to consistently make a positive difference in the communities that we serve.”