News & Events
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
Maine West High School Warrior Garden
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!

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 and how it evolved into an independent organization - all the while maintaining the early founders' mission to help neighbors in need.
About the Pantry
Part of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry "Please Stop Here" series by Ian Ryan Interactive
Our New Location
The City of Des Plaines visited the new location at 769 Holiday Lane.
Part of the Community
Featured on WTTW Chicago Tonight "In Your Neighborhood Series"
Directly from the Director
Winter 2025
The dictionary defines gratitude as "the state of being grateful." Recently, we were fortunate to connect with a local nonprofit whose mission is to inspire gratitude in future generations through education and service. Their December service project gifted us with 25 birthday boxes for children of our client families, and there's no doubt those children will be grateful. The Pantry had many other reasons to be grateful during the recent holdiday season:
Receiving greeting cards with uplifting messages from donors and clients alike
Turkey trots
Des Plaines Jewel shoppers whose donations bought boxed holiday dinners for our clients
Donations of new toys and games
Warm winter clothing
Red barrels filled to overflowing at local businesses, schools, churches and holiday events
Practicing gratitude during the holiday season when giving is in full swing comes naturally, but our community offers us many reasons to be grateful the entire year. On behalf of those we serve, all of us at the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you!!
Debra Walusiak, Executive Director