By Miriam Gershenson
SAN DIEGO — The Gmach warehouse, an essential service of the Kindness Initiative, is experiencing significant growth due to an increasing demand for the household goods and services it provides to local Jewish families in need.
Established in 2009, Gmach offers a wide range of items, from clothing and furniture to holiday supplies, toiletries, and special occasion attire. However, the warehouse has outgrown its current space, which has prompted the announcement of a move to a new, larger location.
The new Gmach warehouse will be located at 9372 Cabot Drive, San Diego, 92126, and is set to officially open on January 9, 2024. This move comes after over a decade of serving thousands of Jewish households from the current 1,328-square-foot warehouse. The additional space will allow Gmach to accept more donations, serve more people at any given time, and expand its offerings to better meet the needs of the community.
As Gmach transitions to its new space, the warehouse will be temporarily closed from Thursday, December 19, to Monday, January 6, to allow for packing and moving. During this time, Gmach is ensuring that all clients are informed and prepared for the brief hiatus in services.
Gmach, an acronym for Gemilut Chasadim (Deeds of Loving-Kindness), was founded by Helene Bortz and Myrice Goldberg, two compassionate women who saw a need for a space that could provide household goods at no cost to Jewish families facing financial hardship. Since its humble beginnings, Gmach has grown into a vital resource for individuals from all walks of life, including families, seniors, those with special needs, and immigrants.
In 2020, Gmach’s casework transitioned to the Kindness Initiative, which has since worked to offer a broader range of social services, helping clients navigate everything from housing assistance to medical needs. The move to the new, larger location will further empower Kindness Initiative and Gmach to continue their mission of providing essential goods and services with dignity and compassion.
The Gmach warehouse serves a broad spectrum of Jewish households, from struggling families to those with special needs, Israeli post-doc families, local synagogues and schools, and more. It also plays a vital role in assisting the Orthodox community with kosher housewares, high holiday supplies, and other specific items. The warehouse has become a safe space for the autism and special needs community, offering quiet, appointment-only shopping to reduce sensory overload.
Karen Lock, the Gmach Operations Director, has been leading the operations of the warehouse, ensuring the smooth delivery of services to those in need. Under her leadership, Gmach has been able to continue its mission of providing compassionate support to Jewish households throughout San Diego.
With the new location set to open in January, Gmach is excited for the next chapter in its mission to assist Jewish households in need across San Diego. The move represents not just a physical expansion, but an opportunity to continue the important work that began in 2009 and ensure that Gmach can meet the growing needs of the community for years to come.
For more information about Gmach and the services it offers, click here.
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On Wednesday, December 18th, the San Diego Jewish Academy came alive with joy and celebration as the Kindness Initiative and Ken Jewish Community hosted a heartwarming Hanukkah Community Party. Attendees experienced a festive evening filled with delicious food, creative activities, and a warm, family-like atmosphere.
The event featured an array of engaging activities for all ages. A highlight of the evening was the Gmach table, hosted by the Kindness Initiative, which offered attendees the chance to “shop” for brand-new merchandise free of charge. The tables were stocked with a variety of items, from Hanukkah-themed treasures like hanukiahs, gift wrap, books, and clothing to everyday essentials such as purses, household goods, and headbands. This thoughtful gesture was widely appreciated, with many attendees, including myself, picking up items like a Hanukkah book and gift wrap.
Arts and crafts also played a prominent role in the festivities, with activities such as jewelry making keeping guests of all ages entertained. Children were delighted by an indoor bowling setup, and a spirited sing-along session led by teenagers from the Ken Jewish Community brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Guests enjoyed a delectable spread of traditional and modern foods, including hot dogs, latkes, burekas, pasta salad, cookies, and soda. The delicious catering was provided by The Place Catering, adding an extra layer of quality and care to the evening.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of warmth and connection. Families and friends chatted, children played joyfully, and music filled the air, making it feel like an extended family gathering.
The event was a true reflection of the missions of the Kindness Initiative and the Ken Jewish Community. The Kindness Initiative, established in response to a 2020 study on poverty in the San Diego Jewish community, focuses on supporting Vulnerable Jewish Households through programs and services designed to address critical needs. Meanwhile, the Ken Jewish Community brings Latin Jewish families together through a variety of programs that strengthen Jewish identity and connections to Israel while celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
Events like this Hanukkah Community Party are a testament to the power of community, generosity, and shared tradition. They remind us that the spirit of Hanukkah is not only about lighting candles but also about illuminating lives with kindness and connection.
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Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer