Free clothing and household items available for students

The TTC Viking Vault offers more than just food and transportation resources, as they now provide students with free items such as clothes, shoes and blankets in the Viking Closet.

The Viking Closet relies on donations, meaning that most days have different items. 

“Just like the Viking Vault, students are allowed to select up to three items per visit for free, if needed,” said Basic Needs Assistant Efrain Lopez.

Signs and posters help self-guide students on how many of each item they are allowed to take per visit. 

The TTC Viking Vault and Closet are located in building GG-Cafeteria and open weekly Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This year’s focus will be on collecting even more items for the TTC Viking Closet to expand the collection of both casual and professional clothing. 

^{High heels that were available at TTC’s Viking Closet on Sept. 3. The TTC Viking Closet offers students both casual and professional clothing. (Diosa Hippolyta)}

“I know that the simplicity of clothing is becoming more scarce because of rising prices. Students getting a variety of clothes to change in and out of gives students an opportunity to feel comfortable and feel wanted on the campus knowing that they are taken care of as a student.  When you look good, you feel good and you’ll perform good,” said student Peter Pena.

According to the TTC Viking Vault management, they have seen an increase of over 250 students utilizing services daily for their basic needs. 

^{Basic Needs assistant Robert Huff packs student Martin Martinez’s groceries at TTC’s Viking Vault on Sept. 3. Martinez has been enrolled for six months at LBCC and utilizes the program daily. When students visit The Viking Vault at both campuses, they can receive free groceries and clothing. (Diosa Hippolyta)}

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of students that are unhoused. I was very surprised at the actual amount we have at LBCC and it is usually the student you least expect. Fortunately, many know of the program and take advantage of the opportunities to have access to free clothing and food,” Lopez said.

Students are allowed to access these services at unlimited visits throughout the day, if needed.

All donations may be dropped off at any of the Viking Vault locations at both TTC and LAC.

The LAC Viking Vault and Closet are located in the B-building (B-103) Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.