Donations
The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable organization. We are accepting PayPal donations to help supplement the purchase of groceries for our clients. Please click here or the yellow button to use our secure PayPal account to make your donation. If you are donating in someone's honor or memory, to the Community Backpack Project, please note in the comment section. If you would like to cover the PayPal fee to the Pantry, please add 1.6% plus 30 cents to the amount.
Did You Know...
In August 2022, the Pantry served 711 individuals in 247 households. In August 2023, the Pantry served 1,341 individuals in 435 households. More of our neighbors are in need, and with your help, we rise to meet them.
Drop-Off Donation Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Donations must be delivered inside the Pantry during drop-off hours. Items left outside our door will be disposed of as they attract neighborhood wildlife. Please pull in to the parking lot and around to the side door on the north side closest to Holiday Lane. Let a volunteer know you are there, and they will assist you.
We also gratefully accept cash, checks, postage stamps, and gift cards. All contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with the law. A receipt is provided upon request, and we will send you a thank-you if you sign in at the Pantry with your name, address or email address. We do not share your information with any other agency nor do we mail out requests for money.
Red Barrels
Look for our red barrels located in businesses, stores, block parties, etc. around town and drop your non-perishable food items there. Contact us at 847-375-1443 or email pantrydp@gmail.com if you would like one for your event. Click on locations in the map below for exact locations of the red barrels!
By Mail
Mail checks payable to the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines (or SHC&P) to 769 Holiday Lane, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Cash donations enable us to buy perishable groceries such as meat, cheese, butter and milk.
Suggested Items We Accept
Please click on the Home tab for the list of most needed items at this time. If you are donating food items specifically for the Community Backpack Project, please write "CBP' on a slip of paper and include it in the donation bag.
Food and Personal Items
Canned entrees: chili, Chef Boyardee, etc.
Soup: canned, ramen, mixes
Canned vegetables, corn, beans, baked beans, tomatoes
Canned tuna, salmon, chicken
Rice, barley, dried peas and beans, couscous
Pasta: boxes, bags, ramen, macaroni & cheese
Black, green, herbal tea
Pancake mix, syrup
Breakfast cereals
Side dishes in boxes and pouches
Pasta sauce: 24 oz. jars
Peanut butter (16-18 ounce jars)
Jelly or jam
Fruit juice
Vinegar: white, apple cider, balsamic
Oil: vegetable, canola, olive, etc.
Salt and pepper
Sugar and flour
Cake mix and frosting
Full-size condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing, etc.
Fresh produce (accepted only at the Pantry - please don't place in red barrels)
Toilet paper
Feminine pads and tampons
Baby wipes
Laundry detergent, dish soap, bleach
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap
Deodorant
Shavers, shaving cream
Household cleaners: all-purpose, bathroom, wipes
Postage stamps (for writing thank you letters)
Adult pull-ups: men's & women's (small, med, large)
Clothing
We accept seasonal clothing, jackets and shoes in very good condition.
New underwear for men, women and children
New socks: especially men's white athletic
Winter coats in very good condition - with working zippers
Long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, short-sleeve shirts, t-shirts
Jeans, joggers, skirts, dresses
Gym shoes
Bed linens (marked with sizes, please)
Towels
Items We Cannot Accept
expired or opened food
restaurant condiment packets
housewares (please donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.)
video tapes
furniture
men's suits
baby/toddler car seats
baby furniture
toys
stuffed animals
medication, clinical supplies
alcoholic beverages