SELF HELP CLOSET & PANTRY OF DES PLAINES

 Serving Des Plaines since 1971

Tips for 1st Time Donors

Watch the grocery ads for Buy One, Get One Free and give the extra things to the Pantry.

Please check the expiration date on food items from your pantry that you are donating.  We won’t distribute expired food items.

If you are donating clothes, they must be for the current season, as we have no storage space for out of season clothing.  Clothes must be clean and in good condition.

Housewares are always welcome. Dishes and flatware are always in demand. Our single clients are always grateful for that single plate or mug or place setting that you no longer need.

Glassware is very popular among our clients, so if you have extra, think about donating to the Pantry.

Pots and pans are in great demand.

We really need linens now:  towels, sheets (marked twin, queen, etc.) blankets, etc.

Anything you need to keep house – those are things we give out to our clients.

Bed linens and towels are popular items. If you have more than you need, share with someone less fortunate.

NOTE: While we do accept puzzles and DVD’s, we do not have storage space for stuffed animals and other toys.

PANTRY NEEDS:

If your company or group is planning a food drive for the Pantry, we would ask that you do so in February or March.

FOOD - Please, no food with expired dates.

We always need:

  • Breakfast cereal / oatmeal
  • Canned fruit, tuna, chicken, meats, vegetables
  • Dry pasta items
  • Macaroni and cheese mix
  • Peanut butter & jelly
  • Pasta sauce
  • Juices
  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Powdered or canned milk
  • Coffee/ tea/hot chocolate
  • Pancake mix / Syrup
  • Baby food/ formula
  • FRESH PRODUCE

PAPER ITEMS & TOILETRIES

  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Facial tissue
  • Diapers
  • Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, etc.
  • Laundry detergent

CLOTHING -

We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from local companies and individuals when we said we needed coats and winter clothing.  We are so happy to be able to provide our clients with something nice and warm to wear. At this time (2/21/12), we have run out of room at the Pantry for any more coats or winter clothing, so we would kindly request that you hold on to your winter clothing until after Febuary 21.  PLEASE do not drop off any more winter coats. Thank you so much.

Currently we are in serious need of the following:

Men's  & Women's Winter gloves

We are always in need of:

  • New underwear: women's panties sz. 5-9, girls' panties, mens' briefs, toddlers' underpants sz. 3-5
  • New socks for children, men and women - especially white athletic socks for men
  • Men's pants, especially jeans
  • NOTE: Clothing must be clean and in good condition.

HOUSEWARES - Used items are welcome as long as they are clean and useable.

  • Pots & pans
  • FORKS AND SPOONS
  • Dishes
  • Glasses, mugs
  • Sheets, towels, blankets,etc. (please label with size of bedding, if possible)

NOTE: We cannot accept baby furniture, cars eats, etc. due to the many recalls.  We also cannot accept toys due to our limited storage space.

GIFT CARDS & CHECKS - These are used to buy groceries when our supplies get low.

POSTAGE STAMPS are ALWAYS greatly appreciated.


Drop-off hours for donations:  Monday & Tuesday   9 AM - noon

                                                       Saturday  9 AM-10 AM

All contributions are tax deductible. A receipt will be provided upon request.


              Hunger Knows No Season

(Updated 2/21/12)

 The SHC&P website was created and is updated frequently by Holly Wilson.