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First New York Celebrates 10 Years of Giving with Catholic Charities at the 2026 Toilet Paper Drive Take Down Event

ALBANY, NY – On Wednesday, December 9th at 10:00 AM, First New York Federal Credit Union will unveil its towering installation of festive toilet paper trees, built from toilet paper rolls donated by its membership and partnering vendors. Joined by staff from Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, the group will count down to the ceremonial destruction of the forest. This has become a beloved tradition now reaching its tenth anniversary.

Each roll will then be hand-packed and transported to Catholic Charities Tri-County Services’ five Capital Region food pantries and two soup kitchens, where the supplies will replenish an essential and frequently depleted resource for neighbors in need.

Over the past decade, the Toilet Paper Take Down has grown from a lighthearted lobby display into one of the region’s most recognizable hygiene drives, delivering more than 60,000 rolls to local families since 2016.

Members of the media and dignitaries are invited to attend the 2026 Toilet Paper Take Down Event, celebrating a decade of giving.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 9th, 2026 at 10am
WHERE: First New York Corporate Headquarters at 2 Wall Street, Albany, NY 12205

WHY IT MATTERS:

Many Capital Region residents who rely on SNAP benefits cannot use them to purchase essential hygiene items like toilet paper. That gap is why First New York partners with Catholic Charities Tri-County Services each year, responding to a 15–20% annual increase in individuals requesting this necessity.

PHOTO & VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:

The countdown and dismantling of the trees make for memorable footage: the toppling towers, the enormous pile left behind, and the remarkable speed with which volunteers load Catholic Charities’ fleet of vehicles. A tenth-anniversary group photo with credit union leadership and Catholic Charities staff will kick start the take down presentation. Highlighted moments from last year’s event appear below.

“Over the past 10 years, First New York Federal Credit Union has continually stepped up to meet the growing needs of our neighbors,” said Jenn Hyde, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. “Their Toilet Paper Take Down is a wonderful example of how something as simple as a roll of toilet paper can make a meaningful difference for a family struggling to make ends meet. We know that, year after year, we are serving more people who are in need of basic necessities, and the generosity of First New York’s staff, members and vendors helps us respond to those needs with dignity and compassion. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to our community.”

“Toilet Paper is not a luxury, it is essential to the health, dignity and well-being of every person and family,” said Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. “When people are struggling to put food on the table, they often have to make impossible choices about how to stretch limited resources, and items like toilet paper, soap and personal care products can quickly become out of reach. We are grateful to First New York Federal Credit Union for recognizing this need and inviting our community to respond. Their generosity reminds us that when we come together, we can make sure our neighbors have not only food, but the basic necessities they need to live with dignity.”

Rolls are being accepted at all First New York branches and at Headquarters (2 Wall Street).

Please use the form below for monetary donations* and a Team Member will reach out for more information.

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About First New York: First New York Federal Credit Union has been selected as the Best Credit Union four years running in the Daily Gazette’s Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards, and was recognized as a 2025 Top Workplace by the Albany Times Union.

Founded in 1937, First New York is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the Capital Region. First New York offers complete financial services, including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, and commercial and investment services.

The Credit Union currently has $508 million in assets. It serves over 39,000+ members with full-service branches in Albany, Cobleskill, Glenville, Halfmoon, Niskayuna, North Greenbush, Rotterdam, and Saratoga, and scholastic branches in Schenectady, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Mohonasen, Waterford-Halfmoon, and Galway High Schools. Members can access 5,550+ shared branch locations and 30,000+ fee-free ITM/ATMs nationwide.

About Catholic Charities Tri-County Services: Catholic Charities Tri-County Services offers a wide range of essential services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties. Our programs support people of all ages, from infants to seniors. Helping individuals access essential human needs such as food, shelter, and safety is at the heart of our mission, as we empower them to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.

To learn more, go to: https://www.ccrcda.org/agencies-and-programs/catholic-charities-tri-county-services/ and https://www.facebook.com/CCTriCounty.

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* First New York is accepting donations of toilet paper and monetary contributions to support Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. Donations are voluntary and appreciated. Please note that these contributions are not tax deductible and should not be considered a taxable write-off. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor regarding any questions about the tax treatment of their contribution. Monetary donations must be take from a First New York account.