Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 15, 2026

The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines (“Self-Help,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the information you provide to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit selfhelppantry.org, contact us, sign up for communications, participate in our programs or events, make a donation, or otherwise interact with us.

By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name

• Email address

• Mailing address

• Telephone or mobile phone number

• Information provided when you contact us

• Information provided when registering for an event or activity

• Donation and transaction information

• Information submitted through forms on our website

• Communication preferences, including whether you have opted in to receive SMS/text messages

We may also automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and general website usage information. This information may be collected through cookies, analytics tools, or similar technologies.

2. How We Use Information

We may use the information we collect to:

• Provide and administer our programs and services

• Respond to questions, requests, and inquiries

• Process donations and other transactions

• Register and communicate with participants regarding events

• Send information about Self-Help programs, services, events, fundraisers, closures, and other organizational updates

• Send SMS/text messages when you have specifically opted in to receive them

• Maintain and improve our website and services

• Protect the security and integrity of our website and organization

• Comply with applicable laws and legal obligations

We do not use personal information for purposes unrelated to our organization’s activities unless permitted or required by law.

3. SMS/Text Message Communications

If you choose to provide your mobile telephone number and affirmatively opt in to receive SMS/text messages from Self-Help, we may send you text messages regarding Self-Help activities and important organizational updates.

These messages may include, for example:

• Pantry events

• Virtual and in-person fundraisers

• Program and community events

• Changes to event schedules

• Pantry closures or schedule changes

• Weather-related closures or other urgent operational notices

• Other important updates concerning Self-Help services and activities

SMS Consent

Providing a mobile telephone number does not by itself constitute consent to receive SMS/text messages. You must affirmatively opt in through a designated SMS consent mechanism, such as checking an SMS consent box or otherwise expressly agreeing to receive text messages.

SMS consent is not a condition of receiving services, participating in programs, making a donation, or otherwise interacting with Self-Help.

You may receive messages only after providing the appropriate consent, subject to applicable law and the capabilities of our messaging provider.

Message Frequency and Charges

Message frequency may vary depending on Self-Help activities and events.

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Self-Help does not control or guarantee carrier availability, delivery, or charges.

Opting Out of Text Messages

You may withdraw your consent to receive SMS messages at any time.

To stop receiving text messages, reply STOP to a Self-Help text message. After you send STOP, you may receive a confirmation message, and you will no longer receive SMS messages from us unless you subsequently provide a new affirmative opt-in, except for messages permitted by applicable law.

For assistance with SMS messages, reply HELP or contact us using the information provided on our website.

You may also contact Self-Help directly to request that your mobile number be removed from our SMS messaging list.

SMS Privacy

We do not sell or rent your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in information to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

Your SMS consent and related information may be shared with service providers that assist us in delivering text messages, but only as reasonably necessary to provide that service or as otherwise permitted or required by law.

4. Email and Other Communications

If you provide your email address, we may use it to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, communicate about programs or events, and, where appropriate, send organizational news or updates.

You may unsubscribe from non-essential promotional or informational emails by using the unsubscribe instructions included in the message or by contacting us directly.

Even if you opt out of certain communications, we may continue to send communications that are necessary to fulfill a request, provide a service, administer a transaction, or comply with legal obligations.

5. Donations and Payments

If you make a donation or payment through our website, your transaction may be processed by a third-party payment processor.

We generally do not store complete credit card or debit card numbers on our own systems. Payment information may be collected and processed directly by the applicable payment provider according to that provider’s privacy policy and terms.

We encourage you to review the privacy practices of any third-party payment provider used to complete a transaction.

6. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website, remember preferences, understand website traffic, and improve the user experience.

Third-party services, such as website analytics providers, may collect information about how visitors use our website. This information is generally used in an aggregated or otherwise non-personally identifying manner to help us understand website usage and improve our online presence.

You can generally adjust your browser settings to refuse or limit cookies. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of portions of the website.

7. How We Share Information

We may share personal information with trusted service providers when reasonably necessary to operate our organization and provide services. These providers may assist with:

• Website hosting and maintenance

• Payment processing

• Email communications

• SMS/text messaging

• Event registration

• Website analytics

• Information technology and security

We may also disclose information when we believe disclosure is necessary to comply with applicable law, respond to a lawful request, protect our rights or property, protect the safety of individuals, investigate suspected fraud or abuse, or otherwise comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration.

8. Protection of Personal Information

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of transmitting information over the Internet or storing information electronically can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of information submitted to or collected through our website.

9. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to websites, services, social media platforms, payment processors, event-registration services, or other websites operated by third parties.

This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected by Self-Help or through selfhelppantry.org. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites or services.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of third-party services before providing them with personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental or guardian involvement.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information to us without appropriate consent, please contact us so that we can take reasonable steps to address the situation.

11. Your Privacy Choices

Depending on applicable law, you may have rights concerning the personal information we maintain about you, including the ability to:

• Request information about personal data we maintain about you

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of information, subject to legal and operational requirements

• Opt out of certain communications

• Withdraw consent for SMS/text messages

• Ask questions about how your information is collected and used

To make a privacy-related request, please contact us using the contact information below.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, technology, or legal requirements.

When we make changes, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the most current information about our privacy practices.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or your communication preferences, please contact:

Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines
769 Holiday Lane

Des Plaines, Illinois

Website: selfhelppantry.org

Email: info@selfhelppantry.org

For privacy questions or requests, please use the contact information provided on our website.