St. Lawrence County Community Development Program Community Action Angels are organizing a countywide toilet paper drive all through March.

The goal is to raise 10,000 rolls, to be distributed to local Neighborhood Centers and other charitable organizations.

Because of cutbacks and increased demands, the great majority of helping agencies’ funding is spent on food. This means they are often unable to provide other necessities, such as personal care and household items. And because these items are not covered by food stamps, obtaining adequate toilet paper is often difficult for low-income people.

Drop-off locations include the Potsdam, Canton, Massena, Ogdensburg, and Gouverneur Neighborhood Centers, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except the first Friday of each month, when they are closed; the Waddington Village Office, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; and Creative Xpressions in Waddington, 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Community Action Angels has also partnered with Kinney Drugs to accept donations at all seven St. Lawrence County stores; for locations and hours, visit www.kinneydrugs.com.

There will also be coin drop jars at various locations across the St. Lawrence University campus, with proceeds going toward toilet paper for the drive.

Community Action Angels encourages area businesses and organizations to do their part to support this effort, and to get creative with their approach to the drive. For example, companies may offer “Jean Days” on Fridays in March – an opportunity for employees to wear jeans to work, with the “fee” being a package of toilet paper. Or replace cover charges and entry fees with a pack of toilet paper.

All donations must be commercially wrapped for sale. They don’t want any loose, unwrapped rolls.

If you would like to help with the toilet paper drive, or would like to request more information, contact Alicia Murphy, Coordinator, at 386-1102, ext. 227.

A Facebook page and group have been created for the drive. There will be tally updates and toilet paper trivia.

Community Action Angels is a statewide initiative, with 22 agencies participating. The purpose of the organization is to assist in meeting the unmet needs of individuals and families that may not be met through other resources.

St. Lawrence County CDP Community Action Angels is made possible by a grant from the Alcoa Foundation.