Donate
Ways to Donate
There are many ways to support USC students experiencing food, housing, and economic insecurity. Whether through monetary contributions or in-kind donations, your support helps Student Basic Needs provide timely, practical assistance that promotes stability, well-being, and academic success.
Monetary Donations
Monetary donations play a critical role in ensuring USC students have access to essential resources during times of need. Philanthropic support allows Student Basic Needs to respond quickly and flexibly to food, housing, and economic challenges that may otherwise disrupt a student’s ability to remain enrolled and academically engaged.
Gifts to Student Basic Needs directly support programs such as the Trojan Food Pantry, emergency meal swipes, Tommy’s Closet, supplemental funding for unforeseen expenses, and individualized resource navigation. These contributions help sustain day-to-day operations, expand student access to services, and strengthen the university’s commitment to student well-being and equity.
If you would like to support students experiencing basic needs insecurity, please designate your gift to the USC Student Basic Needs Fund. Your generosity helps ensure that students can focus on learning, persistence, and success—both inside and outside the classroom.
Employee Payroll Deduction
USC employees can easily make a difference through payroll deduction. Give back and support the Trojan community today!
Donate Monetary Gifts
Anyone can make a direct donation to support Student Basic Needs.
Non-Monetary Donations
Non-monetary donations play an important role in helping Student Basic Needs meet immediate, practical needs. By donating food, hygiene items, household essentials, or clothing, you help ensure students have access to everyday resources that support their health, dignity, and ability to remain engaged in their academic experience.
To ensure donations are safe, usable, and aligned with student needs, we provide clear guidelines for each program below, including examples of high-demand items and parameters for accepted donations.
Trojan Food Pantry – Food and Hygiene
Amazon Wish List
The USC Student Basic Needs Amazon Wish List offers an easy and impactful way to support students experiencing food, housing, or economic insecurity. Items on this list have been intentionally selected by Student Basic Needs staff who work directly with students and reflect the most common and immediate needs observed throughout the academic year.
Donated items help reduce financial strain, promote dignity, and support students’ health and stability. All contributions are distributed at no cost to students through Student Basic Needs programs and are used to support those facing short-term crises, ongoing financial hardship, or unexpected life disruptions.
By purchasing items from the Amazon Wish List, you help ensure students can focus on their education and well-being rather than unmet basic needs.
Trojan Food Pantry
Donations to the Trojan Food Pantry help provide students with access to free, nutritious groceries during times of food insecurity. We accept shelf-stable food items that are unopened, unexpired, and in their original packaging.
Most-needed food items
- Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)
- Pasta, rice, and grains
- Shelf-stable meals and soups
- Nut butters
- Breakfast items (oatmeal, cereal, granola bars)
For food safety reasons, we are unable to accept opened items, expired food, or homemade goods.
Reusable Bags
Reusable bags help students discreetly and safely transport groceries from the Trojan Food Pantry. Donated bags reduce the need for single-use packaging and make pantry visits more accessible for students who may be traveling by foot, bike, or public transportation.
We accept clean, gently used or new reusable bags, including:
- Tote bags
- Canvas or cloth bags
- Sturdy grocery bags with handles
Bags should be in good condition and free of damage. Reusable bag donations directly support the day-to-day operation of the Trojan Food Pantry and are consistently in high demand.
Hygiene and Household Items
Hygiene and household items support students who may lack consistent access to basic personal care or cleaning supplies. All donated items must be new, unused, and unopened.
High-demand items include:
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Laundry detergent and cleaning supplies
- Small household essentials (sponges, trash bags)
Tommy’s Closet
Tommy’s Closet helps reduce financial barriers by providing free clothing to students for interviews, internships, academic settings, and everyday campus life. We accept clean, gently used or new clothing in good condition.
Accepted items include:
- Professional and business-casual attire
- Casual everyday clothing
- Shoes and accessories appropriate for professional or campus settings
Items should be free of stains, rips, or excessive wear. Seasonal and size-inclusive donations are especially helpful.
Ways to Donate
If you are unable to volunteer, consider making a donation.