The Office of Student Needs

west valley college toy drive graphic with a holiday garland and present border
West Valley College Toy Drive

Date: November 20, 2025 - December 1, 2025

Toy Drop-Off Locations

  • Office of Student Needs
  • Student Services Center
  • West Valley-Mission Police Department

Our 2025 Toy Drive is officially here, and we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys to support our incredible WVC parenting students. From puzzles and books to arts and crafts, building blocks, sports toys, and baby toys, Let’s come together as a Viking community and make this holiday season magical! Drop off your gift at any of our campus locations!

Toy Drive: Student Signup

Interested in receiving a toy? Are you an enrolled West Valley College student and a parent/guardian of a child from the age of 0-10 years old? Students must register by completing the Toy Drive application below by Friday, November 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Toy Drive Application

Toy Drive: Volunteers Needed

The Office of Student Needs is seeking volunteers to help us wrap toys for our annual Toy Drive in support of our amazing parenting students. All wrapping materials will be provided. Join us as we come together to build community, support student families, and spread holiday cheer:

  • Tuesday, November 25, 2025  |  4-5 p.m.  |  CHE 122
  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025  |  Noon-3 p.m.  |  LRC 111

About Us

The Office of Student Needs is a transformative resource hub dedicated to fostering student success by addressing basic needs insecurities. Established in 2019 as a one-person operation, the office has grown to serve more than 1,200 students every semester with a comprehensive range of wrap-around services including a fully stocked food pantry, a clothing closet, and a lacatation room, alongside assistance for transportation, housing and financial challenges, and other basic needs support.

At West Valley College, we care about more than just your academic success. We understand that you can’t prioritize your academics if you’re facing challenges like food, housing, or other basic needs insecurities. That’s why we’re committed to supporting your personal well-being by offering free basic needs resources to all enrolled students. 

 

Visit Us!

office of student needs campus map

Hours

Day Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Closed on all campus holidays.

 

student parent with their child graphic with text nationally recognized leader in serving student parents

2025–2028 FamilyU Seal for Commitment to Student Parents

Learn More
boxes of fresh produce

Visit the Food Pantry!

Read More
smiling students at a table with food, viking mascot in the background

Free Meals Program

Read More

Follow us on Instagram

@wvc_student_services

Text Updates

Text updates coming soon! We will send weekly updates about events on campus, where you can find free food, and any other basic needs related updates.

General Questions

Yes, all resources offered are free to enrolled students.

The Cohn Family Food Pantry is a free resource for enrolled students AND community members.
To make an appointment, use the booking link.

If there are no times available that work with your schedule, please email hannah.taborFREEWEST_VALLEY.
The Office of Student Needs is located in the Campus Center next to Cafe Vasona.
The Office of Student Needs is open from 9 AM-5 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 9 AM-2 PM on Fridays.

We are closed on all campus holidays.
Emergency financial assistance is available to enrolled students experiencing financial hardship related to basic needs. Emergency assistance is offered once during your academic journey at West Valley College. Learn more here.
If you are experiencing housing insecurity, we can connect you to community organizations that can help you navigate your situation. Please make an appointment to get started. 

To learn more about resources available to housing insecure students, click here.
Housing insecurity is not just homelessness;  It includes a broad set of challenges, such as the inability to pay rent or utilities, or the need to move frequently. Below are some common scenarios of housing insecurity:
  • Couch surfing
  • Sleeping in your car
  • Staying in an unsafe environment because you can't afford to move
  • Staying in a hotel or shelter


No, the Office of Student Needs does not offer support with academic needs such as textbooks, academic supplies, tuition/fees, etc. 

West Valley College offers Zero Textbook Cost and Low Textbook Cost classes. Learn more here. 

Pantry

Please visit the Office of Student Needs, located in the Campus Center, to sign up for the food pantry. During your first visit, you will complete the brief sign-up form and receive your pantry ID card.
Everyone qualifies for the food pantry. We do not require any identification or income verification to use the food pantry. 

If you are not a student, you can only use the pantry on Thursdays.
The food pantry is open from 10 AM-4 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10 AM-7 PM on Wednesday, and 10 AM-2 PM on Friday. 

We are closed on all campus holidays.
Please email samantha.hernandezFREEWEST_VALLEY if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback!
If you are unable to find food that you can eat in the food pantry, please make an appointment with student needs staff through Starfish or email hannah.taborFREEWEST_VALLEY.

Getting Involved

The student ambassador application can be found here. We review applications in early June each year and hire student workers to start in the upcoming Fall term. 

If you are interested in becoming a student ambassador, I recommend volunteering for a few hours each week to get involved!
Yes, we are currently accepting donations for the following items:
  • Gently worn clothing items.
  • Unused hygienic products (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Baby wipes, diapers, gently used baby clothes, and supplies.
  • Children's toy donations (in November/December only).
Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours. If you would like a staff member to pick up the donation, please reach out to a student needs staff member for assistance!
Yes, we have several opportunities for volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the "volunteer" tab.
To discuss formal partnership opportunities with our office, please contact samantha.hernandezFREEWEST_VALLEY. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting our students!

We Value Your Feedback!

Help us make the Office of Student Needs the best it can be. This form is here for you to share any experiences, concerns, or suggestions for improvement. Your input will be reviewed carefully, and we’ll work to address any issues raised. Thank you for helping us grow and better serve our students!

Last Updated 11/24/25