Every Monday at 5:30 p.m. we serve a delicious, hot, home cooked, healthy meal to ANYONE that wants to come. No questions asked.

Sometimes the need for help is so clear, the answer just shouts at you.

In 2003, we heard the call and started Bessie's Table. It's a mission with one simple goal; to "Provide a hot home-cooked meal, in a welcoming setting, to persons and families in need, at no cost.” It works on the “Stone Soup Principle”; we gather donated food items from our local community and create a complete meal. These donations make it possible for Bessie's Table to create and serve dinner to 100-125 hungry people every Monday evening. 

It's a challenge when there aren't enough donations. When the donations are not enough, we have to purchase whatever is needed. One night's meal can cost about $150.00. Unbelievably, our expert volunteers can stretch that $150 budget to enough food to make a nutritous meal that feeds the entire group.  ​

Is your your organization, school, or church looking for a community partnership program? What better way then to partner with Bessie’s Table, and have your $150.00 partner donation help so many individuals here, in our home community. With your gift, you'll get a certificate to proudly display in your office or headquarters, recognizing you as a partner.

But more than that, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you have truly helped your neighbors in need. (100% of every donation goes directly to food and kitchen supplies. There are no administrative costs.)?

Bessie’s Table is extremely thankful to all the benefactors, including GFS, a main sponsor which donates produce on a weekly basis, as well as other items that are make up our meals.  Panera Bread donates bagels, breads and croissants, and sweet rolls when these are available.  Jarosch Bakery provides delicious desserts and breads as does the Jewel Food Store on Dempster/Elmhurst in Des Plaines. The ?Des Plaines Self Help Pantry donates excess meat as well as holiday hams and turkey dinners.  

It takes many hands and many hours for Bessie’s Table to come together each week. For example, volunteer groups include: Audi, Littelfuse, Feldco, St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, Boy Scouts, School Groups, Athletic Teams and other churches, regardless of religion. This is a great family activity as well as a fun individual activity. Contact our volunteer coordinator to sign up for dates that are available. 

​Volunteers needed!

 use the form below, orDo you enjoy helping and enriching the lives of others? Bessie’s Table provides an excellent opportunity to do both! Volunteering is simple. We need volunteers to assist with:

• Set-up
• Serving
• Cleanup

If you or your group would like to volunteer at Bessie's Table, use the form below, or email us at  bessiesdinner_desplaines@yahoo.com. 

Bessie’s Table serves dinner each Monday from 5:30pm until 6:30pm.  Dining room volunteers should arrive by 4:00 pm to set up. Clean-up is completed by 7:00 pm.

You can volunteer every Monday night or one Monday per month. All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. We  appreciate the time that you give, and so do our guests!

I am interested in helping Bessie's Table