Holiday toilets open in New York

NEW YORK, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Charmin toilet paper people opened a string of free rest rooms on Times Square in New York to give holiday visitors a place to do their business.

The toilets were officially opened for the season Monday -- the same day Dick Wilson, the actor who portrayed "Mr. Whipple" in hundreds of Charmin ads, died -- and will be closed New Year's Eve, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

Attendants have been hired by Charmin to oversee the 20 toilets, which are located on the east side of

Broadway between 45th and 46th streets. Users are given the choice between Charmin's Ultra Soft and Ultra Strong line of products.

The temporary toilets were lauded by "Saturday Night Live" alum Molly Shannon, who was in attendance for the ceremonial "first flush," the New York Post reported.

"I have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and I know what it's like to need a bathroom when you're walking around New York City," the actress said.