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.
CLOTHING DONATIONS THIS WINTER: We need winter coats and CHILDREN'S winter clothing. Due to limited space in the Pantry, we are pausing intake of adult clothing donations at this time with the exception of clean, like-new winter coats (especially "puffer"), new underwear and socks, men's slim size jeans and gym shoes.
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.
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 WINTER COATS and CHILDREN'S CLOTHING 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 4, 5, 6 and BABY WIPES
Gloves - for adults and chilldren are desperately needed
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)
Items in Short Supply as of February 2, 2023
GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD
14-16 oz. Canned Vegetables (Corn, Green Beans, Peas, Carrots, Potatoes)
-20-26 oz.-Pasta Sauce in Jars
-15 oz. Canned Tomatoes (Sauce, Diced, Purée, etc.)
-18-20 oz. Ready-to-Eat Soup (Progresso, Campbell’s Chunky, Generics)
-10-12 oz. Condensed Soup (Campbell’s and 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 Chili, Spam, Corned Beef Hash, Spaghetti O’s, SPAM or Generics
-12-13 oz. Large Canned Tuna or Chicken
-14-16 oz. Canned Fruit
-14-16 oz. Starchy Beans (Pinto, Kidney, Great Northern, Garbanzo)
-14-16 oz. Baked Beans
-1 lb. bags or boxes Pasta (spaghetti, penne, elbow macaroni)
-7 oz.boxes Mac and Cheese
-3 oz. packets Ramen noodles
-Pancake Mixes
-Pancake Syrup
-Cereal boxes
-18 oz. and 42 oz. Oatmeal canisters
-6-8 ct. boxes Oatmeal packets
-16-40 oz. Peanut Butter Jars
-Jam and Jelly
-Mayonnaise
-Vinegar
-Cooking Oil
-Flour
-Sugar
-Ground Coffee
Black tea
-Ensure, Boost or Generic
-Glucerna or Generic
-Salt
-Pepper
-5 oz. Canned Tuna
-Vegetarian Items: Soups, canned goods, pouches, etc.
CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS
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
"Puffer" style winter jackets
Men's collared long sleeve shirts and t-shirts
Men's jeans (slim sizes) and sweatpants
Sweatshirts and hoodies for adults and children - ALL SIZES
Children's clothing especially sizes 10 and larger
Men's belts
Gym shoes
Baby diapers sizes 5, & 6 and Pull-ups sizes 3-4T and 4-5T and baby wipes*
Depends pull-ups for women and men - medium and large
Body wash*
Paper towels
Dish soap*
Laundry detergent*
Boxes of facial tissue
Shampoo and conditioner
All-purpose cleaners
*completely out of stock
> See the full list of donations we accept on the Donations tab.
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.