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BAGS OF RAGS --
How I Found Fulfillment in the Used Clothing Gemach
by T. R.
It must have started when I was expecting our first child. My
sister-in-law in American sent over several big cartons of
baby clothes that her children had outgrown. My husband and I
opened them with trepidation -- overcoming a healthy respect
of ayin hora. We proceeded to `oooh' and `aaah' over
every single little item. Each stretchie was cuter than the
next, each tiny T-shirt, lovingly worn, washed again and
again, was folded to perfection. Only successful items were
sent -- no items requiring snap- matching skills of a Ph.D.
in engineering were included. We were overjoyed to have a
ready-made layette for our Number One. Furthermore, since I
had read in one of my advice-for- the-new-mother books that
I'd diligently devoured that old, worn clothes were softer
for baby's delicate skin, I was thrilled.
The boxes continued to arrive regularly. I remember my
husband saying, "Nothing makes my wife happier than a box of
old clothes." And a sentimental person like me loved to
boast, when seeing an outfit on subsequent children, "This
outfit has been worn by at least 8 kids, and it's as good as
new." You see, my baby clothes were lent out between use, and
although I've never been a believer in "You get what you pay
for," I was definitely proven wrong by some American brand-
name items. Saks outlived Sears. Some of the clothes
subsequently found their way into our local clothing
gemach where I volunteer once a week. And when someone
held up an item and exclaimed how cute it was, I choked up
and admitted that yes, it was cute. My kids had worn it home
from the hospital.
The well has, unfortunately, dried up. After a certain age,
most all-American clothing (especially today's styles) are
not always appropriate for a Yerushalmi cheder or Bais
Yaakov, with exceptions like coats etc.
But I have found a new outlet for this unpacking-cartons
syndrome: the Gemach here in Har Nof. As I tell people, why
pay so much money for new clothes -- for children,
especially, that will only get outgrown, torn or hopelessly
stained before they turn around? And many items can be found
in the Gemach that are unavailable anywhere else!
Where else could you find a non-loud print or striped boy's
shirt without a stiff collar? Certainly not at any store in
Jerusalem! I know, because I've looked. Then there are people
like me who have a weakness for used linens. I'm talking
about the real thing: linen, damask and cotton, not -- don't
even mention it -- Terylene or polyester. People like me have
been known to turn over the antique store in town looking for
just the right (used) tablecloth for yom tov. Imagine
my delight when I find such an item at the Gemach. Where else
can you buy men's pajamas with bottoms only? My husband can't
bring himself to buy a new pair of pajamas or have anyone
else purchase them for him because it's such a waste: he
never wears the tops, preferring over- the-head T-shirts.
I work at the Gemach because it's fun and because it's a
convenient mitzva to do -- near my house. I see how
much benefit it brings to countless people. I like to
encourage my friends to shop there, Israelis and Americans
alike. There is enough merchandise for all and proceeds go
for upkeep and tzedoka, so it's a mitzva to
patronize it! No one need feel that if she buys a particular
item, a `poor person' will be deprived. I equally encourage
everyone to bring their good-condition clothing/linen/toys to
their local Gemach.
But don't wait until Erev Pesach!
[Ed. Most neighborhoods have their own clothing Gemach with
plenty to offer for all tastes. If you're embarrassed, travel
to one outside your area, or pretend you're buying for a
needy neighbor who doesn't have the time to go out. In fact --
don't pretend. Do just that!]
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