The Red Barrel Program helps to keep the shelves stocked with food. These large, red plastic tubs are located in the entrance to our facility and all around Des Plaines. They are in the Chamber of Commerce, Public Library, Park District, City Hall, schools, churches, grocery stores, banks, businesses and many other organizations such as ours.

The Red Barrels can be requested for holiday parties, block parties and other get-togethers where guests might consider donating nonperishable food items. We encourage everyone to participate whenever you can throughout the year. The Donauschwaben always have many activities going on during the week, and we invited you all to help whenever you can. The shelves of the pantry never stay stocked too long. Many people are in need of their help.

The Red Barrel serves as a visual reminder of the Self Help Closet and Pantry’s mission to feed the hungry. Approximately 60 barrels can be found around town, besides the ones located in our facility. They are all helping the needy in our Des Plaines community. The Self Help Closet and Pantry volunteers keep the pantry running. There are currently about 75 volunteers who donate their time either at the pantry or behind the scenes. Whether they work with clients or perhaps perform computer, driving, sorting or clean-up tasks, all the volunteers play an important part in the pantry’s day to day operation.

If you would like to volunteer, there are several ways you can help besides bringing items to put inside our red barrels. Cash donations and grocery certificates are used to replenish pantry shelves. They are also very much appreciated. The Society donates all throughout the year and not only during the holidays. We believe in helping our local community residents. Charity begins in our local neighborhood.

HUNGER KNOWS NO SEASON
You can learn more about the Self Help Closet and Pantry by going to their facebook or website pages:
http://www.selfhelppantry.org/
https://www.facebook.com/desplainesfoodpantry/

FACEBOOK PAGE
...and, ONE more holiday photo before we roll into February! Our loyal donors from the Society of Danube Swabians in Des Plaines presented us with a generous donation of $3,000.00 at their Christmas party, as well as nonperishable food items and several gift cards to benefit our pantry clients - THANK YOU!

Pictured (l to r) are Society President Marianne Strumberger; Rosi Smith, Society member and longtime SHC&P volunteer; and Debbie Walusiak, SHC&P executive director