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.

View the map of our red barrel locations!

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

CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS

*completely out of stock

Announcements for Operations

To streamline your experience in our small space:

Donations

Donations of food are always appreciated, and monetary donations allow us more flexibility to serve clients' needs.

Visit the Donations page for more details and to donate using our secure PayPal account.

Other Local Pantries for People in Need

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).mp4

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.