Midwest Veterans’ Closet is a supplier of food, goods, and dignity for our military heroes.  Many are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

They also provide for active-duty service members, many of whom are newly stationed at Great Lakes, the only Naval Recruit Training Center in the country.  All of your donated goods are FREE to current and former soldiers and their families. Below is a list of items we always need. Imagine moving into an apartment or house with nothing – we need all of that, too.   For more information go to midwestveteranscloset.org

About 12% of the adult homeless population are veterans. 57,849 veterans are homeless on any given night.  To help keep them warm, make and donate hats, gloves, scarves & blankets. If you do not know how to knit or crochet hats and scarves, contact Cinda Bartz and she will show you an easy method.  847-727-1552

 Food:

  • plain potato chips
  • ramen soup packages
  • coffee
  • meals-in-a-can (chili, hearty soup, spaghetti, etc.)
  • meals-in-a-box
  • fresh produce
  • canned fish
  • canned meats
  • nut butter
  • cold cereals
  • jelly
  • hot cereals
  • 100% fruit juices
  • canned fruits​
  • mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
  • crackers
  • cheese
  • cookies
  • grains, pasta, beans
  • bottled water
  • cat and dog food (Pet Pantry)

Gift Cards:

  • a much-needed donation

Clothing: Men, Women & Children

  • new underwear
  • new/gently used jeans
  • new/gently used shoes
  • new/gently used boots
  • ​new socks
  • warm jackets and coats
  • warm winter gloves and hats
  • warm winter scarves
  • professional wear
  • business casual
  • hoodies
  • sweat pants/shirts
  • thermal underwear (long johns)
  • bras​

Furniture: New or gently used only
While we do accept larger furniture items we do not have a pick-up or delivery service.  Larger items accepted as storage space permits. Call or text 847.354.2108 for more info

  • coffee tables
  • end tables
  • kitchen tables
  • lamps
  • dressers
  • recliners
  • ​larger items accepted as storage space permits. Call or text 847.354.2108 for more info.

Durable Goods:

  • paper towels
  • sandwich & storage bags​
  • cleaning supplies
  • laundry detergent
  • bleach
  • lotion
  • chapstick/lip balm
  • wet wipes
  • hand sanitizer

Bed & Bath:

  • sheets
  • new bed pillows
  • bedspreads
  • comforters
  • blankets
  • ​​sleeping bags
  • towels – bath, hand, and kitchen
  • shower accessories
  • throw rugs

Vehicles4Veterans: 888.409.0375

  • all vehicles – automobile, truck, SUV, boat, jet-ski, snow mobile, etc.