The Pantry will be closed on Saturday, November 29 to give our volunteers a break after Thanksgiving.

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.

Most Urgent Needs as of November 28, 2025

See the full list of donations we accept in the Donations tab.

GROCERIES Please, NO EXPIRED FOOD

Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, beef stew
Canned peaches, pineapple, whole kernel corn, carrots
Boxed or packaged sides, dry beans
Flour, sugar, salt
Cooking oil
Tea

We'll take plastic/paper grocery bags and clean, 12-count egg cartons in good shape!

CLOTHING

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
Body wash, shampoo, deodorant
Toothpaste
Toilet paper, paper towels
Baby diapers: pull-ups 3T-4T and 4T-5T at this time
Adult Flushable wipes (see Walmart)
Dog & cat food - DRY ONLY at this times

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 info@selfhelppantry.org 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).mp4

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 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.

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