ALBANY, N.Y.–CAP COM Federal Credit Union has launched an expanded effort to help workers affected by the partial government shutdown. In addition to financial assistance, the credit union has now launched a food drive that is to run through Feb. 28.
“CAP COM is striving to meet the urgent need of local food pantries and nonprofit organizations. Their supplies have been depleted during the shutdown, and they anticipate further strains when Code Blue weather conditions strike,” the credit union said in a statement. “The most immediate supplies needed include: canned tuna, canned chicken, beans, peanut butter, stuffing, canned vegetables, canned soup, pasta products, pancake mix, sugar and personal care items.”
All 11 CAP COM branch locations are acting as collection sites. The credit union said volunteers from the CAP COM Cares Foundation will make frequent deliveries to multiple local food pantries and nonprofits. Recipients include Joseph’s House & Shelter, The Unity House of Troy, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, Hope 7 Community Center, and The Food Pantries for The Capital District.
Monetary donations are also being sought to enable the food pantry’s efforts to reach even more people in need by purchasing specific supplies.
In addition to the six-week food drive, CAP COM is helping eligible federal workers in need by offering debt payment relief, payment deferments on loans and credit cards, and mortgage forbearance for first-position mortgages. A team from CAP COM is also providing personal counseling to members to address each unique situation and handle inquiries on financial assistance and eligibility.