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.
We are accepting fall/winter clothing for men, women and children. Everything must be CLEAN AND IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION.
We need your clean egg cartons (1-doz. size) to repackage bulk egg purchases for clients! Donate at the Pantry or in Red Barrels.
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.
Thank You 2023 Foot Golf Sponsors!
Thanks to event coordinator Jennifer Nutley, Joe "The Hot Dog Guy" Crigler, Scout Troop 6B/12G, the PF Youth Group of First Congregational Church and all other volunteers who contributed. A special shout-out to our main, Platinum event sponsor, Old National Bank, food sponsor LSG Sky Chefs, and all of our wonderful sponsors. Read more.
Items in Short Supply as of September 27, 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.)
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
CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS
Fall/winter clothing for men, women, kids
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
Baby Wipes*
Baby diapers - sizes 4, 5 & 6 - We are all out and have many requests!
TOILET PAPER*
Dish soap*
Laundry detergent*
Shampoo and conditioner *
All-purpose cleaners
Dog food - dry *
Cat food - dry *
*completely out of stock
Announcements for Operations
To streamline your experience in our small space:
Children must be in the care of a responsible adult. If children must accompany you to shop, we can offer curbside service. We also offer curbside service to individuals who request physical accommodation. Pull up to the curb and call us for 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, 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.