ALBANY, N.Y.–With residents of the Capital Region who receive food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs) not permitted to purchase personal hygiene products of any kind with their benefits, First New York Credit Union has been collecting rolls of toilet paper and paper towels in its branches. To date, First New York reports it has collected 11,119 rolls of toilet paper and 3,024 rolls of paper towels from all branches and its company headquarters.
First New York’s goal was to collect toilet paper and paper towels to share with Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, an agency made up of programs that assist the needy with the basic necessities of life.