Donate to the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry
The Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry relies on donations to keep our shelves stocked and serve our neighbors in need. You can support our mission through financial contributions, donations of non-perishable food, personal care items and cleaning supplies, or by organizing a donation drive in your community. Every dollar and every item donated makes a difference. Monetary donations allow us to purchase essential food items in bulk, ensuring that we can provide balanced meals for the families who depend on us.
Hosting a food drive is a great way to support the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry and directly impact the fight against hunger. Whether you’re a business, school, youth group, religious organization, neighborhood group, or individual looking to help, organizing a food drive is simple and rewarding.
Monetary Donations
Because the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry is 100% volunteer-run, all donations go directly to cover basic operating expenses and to purchase goods provided to our neighbors in need. Most of our inventory is donated or purchased from the Northern Illinois Food Bank at significantly reduced rates.
How to Donate Food and Essentials
Your donations help us provide vital support to individuals and families in need. We gratefully accept unexpired and unopened non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries, personal care products, and household cleaning supplies. Your contributions ensure that we can continue serving our community with dignity and compassion.
Food Items:
Canned meals (chili)
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Flour & sugar
Pasta & sauce
Canned & boxed soups
Macaroni & cheese
Boxed potatoes
Cereal & oatmeal
Peanut butter & jelly
Pancake mix & syrup
Cooking oil & spray
Condiments
Person Care Items (Adult):
Toothpaste & brush
Mouthwash & dental floss
Denture products
Shampoo & conditioner
Hand shop & body soap
Deodorant
Shaving products
Laundry detergent
Adult diapers (Depends)
Feminine hygiene
Person Care Items (Child):
Baby diapers
Child Pull-ups
Baby formula
Formula
Baby wipes
Baby food
Baby shampoo
Baby soap & lotion
Household Items:
Household cleaners
Disinfectant wipes
Window/glass cleaner
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Toilet bowl cleaner
Tub, tile & sink cleaner
Floor cleaners
Furniture cleaner
Facial tissue
Garbage bags
Dish soap
Drop-Off Locations:
- Main Office: 22525 West Lockport Street (inside the Pantry Vestibule). The outer door remains unlocked for easy drop-off access.
- St. Mary’s Immaculate Parish: 15629 S Route 59 (adjacent to the front reception desk).
We kindly ask that you do not leave donations outside the pantry or parish building. Due to space limitations, we cannot accept furniture, clothing, home décor, or other household goods.
For large donations or food drive collections, please coordinate with us in advance to ensure we have the capacity to receive your contributions. Contact us at (815) 439-8394 or plainfieldpantry@gmail.com to arrange a drop-off time. Please be patient as our volunteers will respond as soon as feasible.
How to Organize a Food Drive
Hosting a food drive is a great way to support the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry and directly impact the fight against hunger. Whether you’re a business, school, religious organization, neighborhood group, or individual looking to help, organizing a food drive is simple and rewarding.
Steps to Organize a Successful Food Drive:
- Set a Goal – Decide how much food you’d like to collect and determine a timeframe for your drive.
- Choose a Collection Location – Select a central location where people can drop off their donations, such as a school, office, or community center.
- Promote Your Drive – Spread the word through flyers, emails, social media, and community boards. Be sure to include a list of our most needed items – contact us for a current list. You may increase interest by selecting a theme or offering incentives for donations (for example, “Create a Toilet Paper tower” or get a relaxed dress code day for donors).
- Collect & Store Donations – Monitor your collection site regularly and keep donations organized.
- Schedule a Drop-Off – Once your drive is complete, contact us at (815) 439-8394 or plainfieldpantry@gmail.com to coordinate a time for delivery.
- Thank Your Supporters – Show appreciation to those who participated by sharing the impact of their donations and how they helped families in need.
We welcome food drives of all sizes and are happy to provide guidance and support. For large collections, we recommend reaching out in advance so we can ensure proper storage and distribution.