Frequently Asked Questions

A wonderful and tangible way you can show your support is by donating hygiene and laundry supplies. We also welcome pet supply donations! Harbor Interfaith Services, who operates the Village, provides these free of charge to the 40 residents. 

Nancy Wilcox, Torrance resident since 1980 and formerly co-chair with the South Bay Coalition to End Homelessness, is our community donations coordinator. As a volunteer with Harbor Interfaith Services, she helps oversee donations for the Village.  Nancy can be reached at nancywilcox777@gmail.com.

We gratefully accept donations of personal care and household essentials. While all donations are appreciated, the following items are currently needed most:

Higher Priority Needs:

• 3-in-1 body wash/shampoo
• Shampoo
• Full-size bars of soap
• Toothpaste
• Individually packaged toothbrushes

Medium Priority Needs

• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hand lotion
• Dental floss

Lower Priority Needs

• Feminine hygiene products (especially pads with wings and tampons with plastic applicators)
• Shaving lotion
• Ground coffee
• Laundry detergent pods
• Dryer sheets
• Dry dog or cat food

Donation Tips

• Bottles around 16 oz. are preferred.
• Many requested items can be found at discount retailers.
• Please support local businesses when possible and “Shop Torrance.”

Please do not leave donations at the Village Shelter or at City Hall.

Yes! These smaller sized toiletries are used by the street outreach staff and given out to those living unsheltered.

We provide three hot meals for the residents each day so donated food is not needed. Please contact Nancy if you have individually wrapped purchased snacks or treats that you would like to donate.  

Please contact Nancy as you start planning. She can let you know of our current needs. We also want to honor any special contributions you would like to make, such as items for a specific group like women or pets.

Absolutely! Harbor Interfaith Services is happy to give you a receipt. Please leave a note with your donations letting us know you’d like one, providing your name and contact information (phone number or email address). Nancy will contact you and coordinate the best way to give you a receipt (generally mailed to your home or work address).

Occasionally we do ask for specific items such as gently used sweatshirts and jackets in the fall.

Other than for special seasonal needs, we are not accepting clothing donations or household items. We encourage you to donate to these organizations, who in turn support us with complimentary items from their stores:

PV Resale accepts many furniture donations but please call them first.  They may be able to arrange for pickup of large items as well.