Each year, the Pantry benefits from fundraisers and food drives held by service organizations, local businesses, school districts and individuals in the community. Following are some of the annual events:

• Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger®  food drive

• Putt for the Pantry

• Maine West High School Fill the Bus

• Forest School Area Turkey Trot

• St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church food drive

• Jewel/Osco Turkey Dinner and Ham Dinner food drives

• Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry Food Fight      

Thank you to all of our supporters - we couldn't do this without you!

Directly from the Director

Summer 2024

Did you know . . . . . ?

• Our food Pantry continues to register new client households each month. To be exact: 39 households in May 2024.

• In May 2024, we served a total of 1,213 individuals compared to 1,069 individuals in May 2023 and 541 individuals in May 2022.

• The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines operates with one executive director and one bookkeeper (both part-time employees) and with over 65 dedicated volunteers.

• Our organization has served Des Plaines residents in need continuously since 1971 - relying completely on community support.

• Your donations of food and funds are hugely appreciated as we are challenged to meet an increasing need for our services!

Thank you to this caring community!

Debra Walusiak, Executive Director