Most of us don’t say the bracha of ‘Shehechiyanu’ these days upon the purchase of new clothing, yet no one – young or old, affluent or financially needy – can deny the thrill of wearing something new for the first time.
But not everyone gets that opportunity.
For many families more abundantly blessed with precious children than funds, necessities will always trump “a new outfit.”
Especially for a mom who has not necessarily outgrown her clothing from last year or last decade. But she too, deserves something new for Shabbos or Yom Tov, or just every day.
And there are the families who cannot necessarily find the resources for even the essentials for their growing children.
Enter Gittel’s Boutique, where the word ‘Boutique’ is not a euphemism. The service is evocative of a toney private store with one-on-one appointments with a “personal shopper” who will sensitively and sensibly point out where the merchandise is found and which outfits “might work.”
Organized by size (with the women’s clothing organized by both size and color) the Boutique offers gently used –and a surprisingly ample selection of new fashionable clothing for women and children. There is also a modest selection of shoes.
There is absolutely no cost for the clothing. If it fits, and the customer likes it, they put it in the bag and take it home with their privacy and dignity intact.
Gittel’s boutique was founded in memory of Rebbetzin Gitel bas Meshulem Zushe. It is administered by a devoted group of volunteers: Nechama Baila Feldman, Yehudis Lent, Devorah Leah Sternberg and Sara Vishedsky.
To make an appointment at Gittel’s please call Devorah Leah Sternberg at 718-773-5595.
this is beautiful. how can I donate clothing to this place?
Yasher Koach! Such a beautiful mitzvah, done in a dignified manner. What could be better?
there was a time that someone I knew needed clothes for their family and was ashamed to have to ask for anything, I got in touch with Devorah Leah and she was really helpful and gave the utmost respect to me and the situation. Kol hakavod! Thank you
This is so beautiful.There must be many hours of work behind the scene keeping this boutique in operation and run so beautifully. All done with devoted volunteers and no charge!
D.L, Yehudis, Sara and Nechama Baila you are AMAZING.
May Hashem bless you tenfold.
This article is beautifully written, i’d love to know who wrote this?
could you/they add a mens/boys section?
thank you for all of your work!
Wow!
Looks like a clothing store!
This isn’t a Gemach that you feel degraded or cheapened by walking in and having to rummage through piles of bags. Anyone would be proud to walk in and sift through clothes, which may just be the most important thing.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Where is the location. Where does on drop off clothes?
It’s amazing to see the many many hours devoted to this great mitzvah by Devorah Leah and her team of volunteers.
The effort put into selecting the clothes making sure that it meets the standard of the highest quality for this boutique is admirable. The work it entails is far more than meets the eye. From Coordinating times for people to come at their convenience to donate clothes to setting up time to meeting customers is endless. Hashem should bless you all with many brochos for your holy work.
So special to create the space in a way that people feel like they’re going shopping at a regular store!! How can I donate clothing here?
Dignified, organized and beautiful. How does one contribute clothing?
What a beautiful project
In most out of town communities it’s considered normal to buy or get second hand clothing from gemachs.
what is the address?
hatzlocha
Devorah Leah,everything you do is magnificent.Down to the finest detail.I am so proud to call you my cousin.Keep up your wonderful work.
Chanie Kozliner
Keep up your beautiful work!
Looks like a regular store. Wow.