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 Fill the Bus
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
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