Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines
Serving our Community Since 1971
We are an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Des Plaines, Illinois residents with groceries and clothing during a time of need.
Help us receive $5,000-$15,000 from Old National Bank!
Please vote for the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines as your favorite charity and help us receive funds to provide groceries to neighbors in need. Old National Bank has voting open through March 31, 2023 at https://oldnational.com/cyc
You can vote once per day. Spread the word!!
Please vote for the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines as your favorite charity and help us receive funds to provide groceries to neighbors in need. Old National Bank has voting open through March 31, 2023 at https://oldnational.com/cyc
You can vote once per day. Spread the word!!
769 Holiday Lane, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Client hours: Tuesdays 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Registration hours: Same as Client hours above, but we ask that you come at least an hour before the closing time.
Donation drop-off hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 9:00 - Noon; Saturdays 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at gray side door facing Holiday Lane.
Items in Short Supply as of March 28, 2023
GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD
Any vegetarian items: Soups, canned goods, ramen, side dish pouches, etc.
18-20 oz. Ready-to-eat soup especially without pork or pork products (Progresso, Campbell’s Chunky, Generics)
5-10 oz. Side dishes in pouches or boxes (mashed potatoes, rice and pasta blends such as Rice-a-Roni or Generics)
14-16 oz. Canned main dishes especially without pork or pork products
14-16 oz. Canned Fruit
3 oz. packets Ramen noodles
Pancake Mixes
Pancake Syrup
Cereal boxes
18 oz. and 42 oz. Oatmeal canisters
6-8 ct. boxes Oatmeal packets
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Vinegar
Cooking Oil
Flour
Sugar
Ground Coffee
Black tea
Ensure, Boost or Generic
Glucerna or Generic
Salt
Pepper
CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS
Any spring clothing and jackets
New underwear: men's (all sizes), women's (5-9), children's (all sizes), toddler's (3-5)
New socks: especially men's white athletic
Men's collared long sleeve shirts and t-shirts
Men's jeans (slim sizes) and sweatpants
Women's jeans
Sweatshirts and hoodies for adults and children - ALL SIZES
Children's clothing especially sizes 10 and larger
Men's belts
Gym shoes - all sizes
Baby diapers sizes 4*, 5*, & 6* and Pull-ups sizes 3-4T and 4-5T
Depends pull-ups for women and men - medium* and large*
Body wash*
Toilet paper*
Paper towels
Dish soap*
Laundry detergent*
Toilet paper
Shampoo and conditioner
All-purpose cleaners
*completely out of stock
> See the full list of donations we accept on the Donations tab.
Announcements for Operations During the Time of COVID-19
The Pantry is OPEN for clients and for donors INSIDE the building. To streamline our operations:
Masks are required; we have some available at the check-in desk. If you choose not to wear a mask, park your vehicle at the curb in front of the Pantry. Then call us to request curbside grocery service. Your turn in line begins after you check in.
Only 1 adult per family will come in the building to shop. Please be sure children are under the care of a responsible adult. If you can't find someone to stay with your children, please park your vehicle at the curb in front of the Pantry. Then call us to request curbside grocery service. Your turn in line begins after you check in.
If you are a new client, remember to bring a photo ID for each adult, proof of income and children's birth certificates.
Clients and volunteers must stay home if they are not feeling well.
Donations
Donations of food are always appreciated, and monetary donations will allow us more flexibility at this time.
Please send only one representative if possible.
Please come during drop-off hours only.
Cash, checks, postage stamps or gift cards to grocery stores are appreciated.
Clothing: We are only accepting donations of clean, like-new spring clothing and jackets at this time.
Linens: We need clean, like-new bed linens (please mark size on bag) and bath towels.
Baby diapers.: We DESPERATELY need diapers in sizes 5, 6 and baby wipes.
Gloves - purchase now on clearance for the next winter season!
Visit the Donations page for more details and to donate using our secure PayPal account.
Other Local Pantries for People in Need
Maine Township Food Pantry (Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Glenview)
Elk Grove Township Food Pantry (Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mt. Prospect, Rolling Meadows)
Mount Prospect Food Pantry Program (Mt. Prospect)
Wheeling Township Food Pantry (Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Wheeling)
Note about donations: Please do not leave donations outside the door as they attract neighborhood wildlife, and we must dispose of the items. Drop off donations at the gray side door facing Holiday Lane. Knock on the door and wait for a volunteer to assist during the hours above. Or drop non-perishables in our red barrels around town. Please - NO EXPIRED FOOD

The Story of the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines
This film by Wendy Ellis and Paul Meincke tells the story of the early beginnings of the Pantry in 1971 and how it evolved into an independent organization. To this day, the organization maintains the early founders' mission to help neighbors in need.