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kindnessG’MACH
kindnessG’MACH is a Jewish community distribution center located off Miramar Road, created to ensure that every individual and family has access to the essentials of daily living, completely free of cost.
Whether you are walking through our doors to find essential items, connect with case management, or volunteer your time, you will discover a place where compassion is real, dignity, respect, and confidentiality are honored, and kindness is shared every day.
Many recipients of kindnessG’MACH go on to volunteer themselves, continuing the chain of kindness.
kindnessG’MACH is a Jewish community distribution center located off Miramar Road, created to ensure that every individual and family has access to the essentials of daily living, completely free of cost.
Whether you are walking through our doors to find essential items, connect with case management, or volunteer your time, you will discover a place where compassion is real, dignity and confidentiality are honored, and kindness is shared every day.
Many recipients of kindnessG’MACH go on to volunteer themselves, continuing the chain of kindness.
kindnessG’MACH helps families direct their limited resources toward what matters most by providing essential items at no cost.
By removing the burden of basic household expenses, we help preserve dignity, restore stability, and create space for families to rebuild and move forward with confidence.
At kindnessG’MACH, we believe no Jew should ever have to struggle alone. Here, every item on the shelf and every moment of support reflects the strength of our Jewish community and the values that bind us together. Whether you’re coming to find essentials, connect with case management, or volunteer your time, you’ll discover a place where compassion is real, dignity & confidentiality is honored, and kindness is spread daily.
Kindness Initiative invites you to do a mitzvah and help us ensure as many Jewish families as possible have the essential items they need to make a Seder dinner this Passover.
Items We Need:
Drop-off your donation of new, unopened Kosher for Passover items to kindnessG’MACH throughout the month. We warmly encourage synagogues and community groups to join us in helping meet the growing need.
If you’d prefer to sponsor a Passover meal, click here:
If you or a Jewish family you know is in need, starting March 23rd please come shop at kindnessG’MACH. All items are available at no cost. You will always be welcomed with love, dignity, and respect. Chag Sameach.
In observance of Passover, kindnessG’MACH will close at 2pm on April 1 and be closed April 2–3 and 8–9.
Visit us at: 9372 Cabot Drive, San Diego, CA 92126 (Off Miramar Rd)
Holiday hours may vary.
Appointments (day or evening) available upon request.
Shop our Amazon Wish List
Drop-offs take place at the back of the building, where a team member will meet you at your car to receive your donated teams. After your donation is complete, you will receive a donation receipt via mail. Please do not drop off items after hours or on weekends.
Your generous donation changes lives. Every item donated to Kindness Initiative is carefully sorted to create the greatest possible impact — whether it goes directly to a Jewish family in need, supports our Boutique or Thrift programs, or is shared with partner organizations. All proceeds from sold items fund Kindness Initiative programs that serve vulnerable Jewish families in San Diego. By donating, you acknowledge that your contribution is an unconditional gift, and Kindness Initiative may distribute, repurpose, or sell donated items at its sole discretion. Here, nothing goes to waste — kindness continues in every form.
To ensure donations align with current needs, this list is updated regularly. Please check back before donating.
(but still gratefully appreciated)
To honor the dignity of every individual and family we serve, we can only accept items that are clean, complete, and in new or gently used condition.
Got Furniture?
If you are relocating or downsizing for any reason and/or have furniture you don’t need, our Online Furniture Program is the perfect way for you to help another Jewish family in need.
Need Furniture?
If you’re looking for furniture for your home at no cost, you are welcome to pick up your selected items. If you need assistance with pick up/delivery, discounted rates are available.
To learn more about how to donate or request furniture, click here:
At Kindness Initiative, every purchase is an act of loving kindness. Proceeds from your purchase help fund programs serving Jewish families across San Diego, including kindnessG’MACH, home furnishing assistance, financial aid, and case management support. Thank you for being part of this community of kindness.
Moving from a longtime family home into a smaller space can feel overwhelming. Every item holds meaning. At kindnessG’MACH, your furniture, clothing, kitchenware, and household items go directly to Jewish families here in San Diego. What you no longer need can help another family set a table for Shabbat, furnish an apartment, or begin again with comfort. We accept most items in new and good condition and make the donation process simple and respectful. Private appointments are available. Let your belongings continue their story with purpose.
Sorting a loved one’s belongings is deeply emotional. Each item carries memory and love. At kindnessG’MACH, we receive donations with care and respect, ensuring they directly support Jewish families in our community. Through your gift, your loved one’s possessions continue to serve others. Their legacy lives on through acts of kindness. Private appointments are available for families who prefer a more personal experience.
Some examples of circumstances that lead people to kindnessG’MACH for assistance include:
Volunteering at kindnessG’MACH is a meaningful way to support Jewish families in San Diego with dignity and care. Whether you can give a few hours or volunteer regularly, your time makes a direct impact. It’s not only about donating goods, it’s about showing up with compassion through real, physical help that families can feel. By giving your time and presence, you help create stability, connection, and a community where no one faces hardship alone.
• Help a Jewish family find essentials.
• Sort and place donated items.
• Assist donors dropping off items for donation.
• Take part in our new “Drop-in Fridays” for volunteers.
• Sign up for a volunteer shift on our new Volunteer App.
To learn more, click here.
Current Volunteers
Visit kindnessG'MACH any Friday 10 AM - 2 PM. Just show up for a few hours to volunteer and build community. Help us spread the word and start the weekend with a mitzvah.
Interested In Becoming A Volunteer?
Volunteers at kindnessG'MACH assist shoppers, help sort donations, and build community.
Current Volunteers
We need volunteers from 10 AM - 12 PM Monday through Friday to help with the amount of families shopping and donating. For shifts and availability, and to sign up, please contact us at [email protected].
Interested In Becoming A Volunteer?
Volunteers at kindnessG'MACH assist shoppers, help sort donations, and build community.
Visit kindnessG'MACH any Friday, 10 AM - 2 PM. Just show up for a few hours, tour our space, and explore the many ways to make an impact in our community. Help us spread the word and volunteer with us.
We need volunteers from 10 AM - 12 PM Monday through Friday to help with the amount of families shopping and donating. For shifts and availability, and to sign up, please contact us at [email protected].
Shopping at kindnessG’MACH means you are welcomed into a warm, respectful space where you can choose the items your family needs with dignity. You are invited to shop for clothing, household goods, and everyday essentials at no cost, helping ease financial stress during challenging times.
More than just receiving items, you experience compassion, confidentiality, and the reassurance that your community stands beside you. At kindnessG’MACH, you are not defined by hardship. You are valued, supported, and never alone.
At kindnessG’MACH, families are invited to shop with dignity in our beautifully organized distribution center. Every item is thoughtfully donated, carefully prepared, and lovingly arranged by volunteers who believe that kindness is something you can see, touch, and feel.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you are met with warmth, intention, and genuine care. A kindnessG’MACH volunteer or team member will take the time to understand what you’re shopping for so we can create a truly personalized experience.
Are you preparing for a job interview and need to look the part? We will help you find that right look.. Expecting a new baby and starting from scratch? We will walk alongside you, from the first onesie to the crib bedding to the stroller. Is your daughter getting married and you are looking for the perfect dress for that special day? We are here for that moment, too.
Whatever brings you through our doors, you will find a space that is organized with care, stocked with intention, and staffed by people who genuinely want to help. Children are welcome in our play area, filled with books and toys, so the whole family can feel at home.
Every item at kindnessG’MACH is free of charge. Always. Because this is community.
We invite you to come in, take your time and let us take care of you.
Items to enrich your home and celebrate tradition.
There is more to kindnessG’MACH than shopping. We offer a variety of items available to borrow when you have a temporary need.
When grandchildren are coming to visit for the weekend, stop by and borrow a car seat or Pack ’n Play. If you are looking for a wedding gown, prom dress or suit, bar or bat mitzvah outfit, or professional attire for a job interview, we are here to help. We can keep you moving when an injury or illness requires mobility aids such as crutches, a cane, or a wheelchair. You are welcome to borrow what you need for as long as necessary.
When you are finished using an item, please return it clean and in good condition so the cycle of care within our Jewish community can continue.
Baby Gear
Disability Aids
Special Occasions
Please call ahead to confirm availability at (858) 216-1666, X2 or X3.
Coming Soon
Your Kindess Can Go Even Further
Our new Boutique and Thrift Store concept turns shopping into impact. At Kindness Initiative, every purchase at our Boutique and Thrift Store is an act of loving kindness. Proceeds from your purchase help fund programs serving Jewish families across San Diego, including kindnessG’MACH, home furnishing assistance, financial aid, and case management support. Thank you for being part of this community of kindness.
Stay Tuned!
Interested in naming the Boutique?
G’MACH is an acronym for Gemilut Chasadim, or Acts of Loving Kindness. The name reflects the heart of the program – providing help with dignity, compassion, and care, in keeping with Jewish values.
Donors drop by with our members’ most requested items. Our dedicated team members and volunteers provide personal shopping services for families.helping people find toiletries and other essential items. Community members are leading drives so that nobody goes without. Those everyday acts of loving kindness embody our mission at kindnessG’MACH.
Many recipients of kindnessG’MACH go on to volunteer themselves, keeping alive the legacy of of the Jewish Gift Closet founders, Helene and Myrice – a legacy of hope, compassion, and community.
Sharon & David Wax
Hilary & Selwyn Isakow
Leslie and Shlomo Caspi
Wendy & Harold Frysh
Anonymous
Anonymous
This space was built by our community, for our community. Now, we invite you to make it your own. Naming a section of kindnessG’MACH is more than recognition. It is a meaningful way to stand with Jewish families in San Diego and ensure this space continues to provide dignity, care, and stability for years to come.
A variety of naming opportunities are available across key departments and program areas, with giving levels ranging from $10,000 per year to major transformational commitments. Select a space below to learn more about current availability and commitment details.
“The recent survey/study of the San Diego Jewish community made me aware of the number of our local Jewish population was suffering from financial insecurity. I have supported other organizations that have served the overall vulnerable population of San Diego, but now, I felt compelled to focus on the local Jewish population. In the past, I didn’t realize the need within our Jewish community and I feel now, more than ever, Jews need to support Jewish causes.”
“We believe it is the obligation of every member of the Jewish community to take care of Jews in need, and we are proud to do our part. Supporting the work of the kindnessG’MACH means helping bring stability to families in our community while ensuring that assistance is always given with dignity, compassion, and respect and without stigma.“
“Our family has always believed that books open worlds and spark imagination—which is why we sponsor this section at kindnessG’MACH. We know firsthand how a single book can change a person’s perspective and sense of possibility. Every Jewish community member deserves access to books and toys regardless of their circumstances, and having this library here means anyone who walks through these doors can experience the gift of literature.“
