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 Warrior Garden

• 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

Fall 2024

Signs of the approaching fall holidays are everywhere - pumpkin everything. Halloween candy and various pumpkin products popped up in grocery stores in July, which means Christmas debuts too. The holiday season is upon us!

Througout the year, and especially during the holidays, some of our Des Plaines neighbors could use extra help. Are there any warm coats or other winter clothing in your home that aren't being used? How about hosting a food drive at your office, school, church or condo building to collect hearty nonperishable foods? Or how about organizing a "white Christmas" paper products drive for toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, period products, etc.? Our neighbors would be grateful for any of these items.

As we roll into the holiday season, we remember that not everyone is full of cheer. Times are tough all over. Food and clothing won't necessarily solve all problems, but at least it's a start.

Debra Walusiak, Executive Director