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.
769 Holiday Lane, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Client hours: Tuesdays 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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 April 3, 2025.
See the full list of donations we accept in the Donations tab.
GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD
Oatmeal
Coffee, tea, cocoa
4-5 lb sugar, flour
Canned peaches, pineapple
Pancake mix and syrup
Vegetarian and non-pork products
We'll take plastic/paper grocery bags and clean, 12-count egg cartons in good shape!
CLOTHING We are accepting donations of SPRING clothing in perfect condition.
Men's clothing
Men's coats
New underwear - men's, women's, children's (all sizes)
Gym shoes - all sizes
New or like-new, clean bed sheets (label sizes), blankets and towels
PERSONAL/OTHER PRODUCTS
Laundry detergent, dish soap, bar soap
Feminine hygiene products: monthly maxi pads and panty liners
Baby diapers - size 6 and pull-ups especially size 4T-5T
Adult Depends - women's size M, L and XL and Men's Small, Med. & Large
Toothpaste
Cat food (dry and canned) We are almost out!
Note about donations: Please do not leave donations outside the building as they attract neighborhood wildlife, and we must dispose of the items. During drop-off hours, please pull up to the gray side door facing Holiday Lane and bring donations in through the door. A volunteer will assist you, and we have carts if needed. Or drop non-perishables in our red barrels around town. Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD.
Announcements
To streamline your experience in our small space:
Please keep children with you at all times or in the care of a responsible adult in the waiting area or at home.
We offer curbside service if you find that easier for any reason. Pull up to the curb and call us for curbside grocery service. Your turn in line begins after we check you in. A volunteer will bring your items to your vehicle.
If you are a new client, please come at least 1 hour before our closing time, remember to bring a photo ID for each adult, proof of income, proof of address, and children's birth certificates.
Clients and volunteers must stay home if they are not feeling well.
Dogs are not allowed in the building.
Masks are optional.
Donations
Donations of food are always appreciated, and monetary donations allow us more flexibility to serve clients' needs.
If you have a large donation, please give us a heads up! Email pantrydp@gmail.com or call 847-375-1443.
Please come during drop-off hours only. Use the gray side door on the north side of the building.
Cash, checks, postage stamps or gift cards to grocery stores are greatly 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 (serving Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Glenview)
Elk Grove Township Food Pantry (serving Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mt. Prospect, Rolling Meadows)
Niles Township Food Pantry (serving Niles, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove)
Mount Prospect Food Pantry Program (serving Mt. Prospect)
Wheeling Township Food Pantry (serving Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Wheeling)
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.