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.
Urgent needs: summer clothing, toilet paper and items for kids' birthday bags ages 1-18. See the full list below.
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.
Items in Short Supply as of June 2, 2023
See the full list of donations we accept in the Donations tab.
GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD
14-16 oz. Canned Fruit
Pancake Mixes
Pancake Syrup
Mayonnaise
Vinegar
Cooking Oil
Flour
Sugar
Ground Coffee
Ensure, Boost or Generic
Glucerna or Generic
Pepper
CLOTHING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS
Any summer clothing and jackets in good, clean condition
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
Men's t-shirts and shorts *
Men's jeans (slim sizes) and sweatpants
Women's jeans
Children's clothing especially sizes 10 and larger
Items for children and teen birthday bags: small toys, coloring books, stickers, etc.
Men's belts
Gym shoes - all sizes
New or like-new, clean bed linens and towels
Baby Wipes **** please!!! We are all out!!
Baby diapers - sizes 5, & 6 PLEASE!! We are all out!! We have plenty of pull-ups now. .
Depends pull-ups for women size medium* and large* and Men's Medium
Body wash*
Toilet paper* PLEASE ! We are all out!
Dish soap*
Laundry detergent*
Shampoo and conditioner *
All-purpose cleaners
Dog food - dry *
Cat food - dry *
*completely out of stock
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 optional.
Children should be int he 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.
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.