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.
The Pantry will be closed on Tuesday, December 26.
769 Holiday Lane, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Client hours: Tuesdays 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 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.
Thank You, Rivers Casino
We would like to thank Rivers Gives/Rivers Casino for their generous donation to the Pantry and our Community Backpack Project (CBP). We are using most of the donation to purchase food, powdered milk, hygiene products and school supplies for School District 62 students in need. A portion of the donation also goes to purchases of fresh, nutritious foods for all clients partnered with an educational initiative to help clients make healthy food choices. Pictured (l to r) are Cynthia Nielsen, Rivers Casino Community Relations, Debbie Walusiak, DP Pantry Executive Director, and Jana Haas, CBP coordinator.
5Items in Short Supply as of December 5, 2023
See the full list of donations we accept in the Donations tab.
GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD
14-16 oz. Canned Fruit
Canned dinner dishes (pasta, chili, hash, etc.)
Pasta sauce
Pancake mixes and syrup
Peanut butter and jelly
Honey
Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
Vinegar
Cooking Oil
Flour and sugar
Salt and pepper
Coffee (ground), tea, cocoa
Ensure, Boost or Generic
Glucerna or Generic
Clean, empty egg cartons to package bulk egg purchases
CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS
Winter clothing for men, women, kids
Gloves for children and adults
New underwear: men's (all sizes), women's (5-9), children's (all sizes), toddler's (3-5)
New socks for boys and girls
New fall socks for women
Men's belts
Gym shoes - all sizes
New or like-new, clean bed linens and towels (These are in great demand and our shelves are bare.)
Baby Wipes*
Baby diapers - Sizes 1, 4, 5, & 6 and pull-ups
TOILET PAPER*
Dish soap*
Laundry detergent*
Shampoo and conditioner *
All-purpose cleaners
DOG FOOD AND TREATS
Cat food - dry *
*completely out of stock
Announcements for Operations
To streamline your experience in our small space:
Children should be in the care of a responsible adult at home if possible. We offer curbside service if you find that easier for any reason. Pull up to the curb and call us for curbside grocery service. Your turn in line begins after we check you in. A volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle.
If you are a new client, remember to bring a photo ID for each adult, proof of income, proof of address, and children's birth certificates.
Clients and volunteers must stay home if they are not feeling well.
Masks are optional.
Donations
Donations of food are always appreciated, and monetary donations allow us more flexibility to serve clients' needs.
Please send only one representative if possible.
Please come during drop-off hours only. Use the gray side door on the north side of the building.
Cash, checks, postage stamps or gift cards to grocery stores are appreciated.
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.
Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry 50th Anniversary (720).mp4The 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.