The Chicago Chesed Fund provides help when it's needed most.

Community G'machs (Jewish free services)

In case you’re wondering, “g’mach” is a Hebrew acronym for “g’milus chasadim,” which means “acts of loving kindness.” In practice, a g’mach is a free service offering various services and merchandise to those who need them most—all at no cost. A g’mach is one of the biggest ways of showing loving kindness. And at the Chicago Chesed Fund, it’s the variety of g’machs we offer that has turned our 44,000-square foot warehouse into a free department store for those in need.

All g’machs are volunteer-run and are located in the Chicago Chesed Fund warehouse, located at 7045 Ridgeway in Lincolnwood.

  • The Front Porch Children’s G’mach
  • Houseware, Furniture and Appliance G’mach
  • Prop A Party Centerpiece G’mach
  • Ginat Shoshana Kallah G’mach
  • Jane Webster Simcha Boutique Gown G’mach
  • Maternity Simcha Gown G’mach
  • The Finer Things Women’s Accessories G’mach
  • Bed Bath and Chesed Linen G’mach
  • Ateres Chaya Kallah Headpiece & Gowns G’mach
  • Simcha Lend G'mach
  • Routberg Memorial Medical Equipment G’mach

The Front Porch Children’s G’mach

The Front Porch Children’s G’mach of the Chicago Chesed Fund collects and displays just about anything a child can use from birth through high school:

  • Clothes — We at the Chicago Chesed Fund collect and give away new and barely used dresses and suits, along with stylishly current weekday tops, pants, skirts, sweaters and shoes. We have clothes for every season and a host of accessories to tie the outfits together. for babies, toddlers, school-age children, teens and women.
  • School Supplies — For children who otherwise wouldn’t have any, we distribute paper, pens, calculators, crayons and other supplies.
  • Baby & Toddler Supplies — Car seats, booster seats, “pack 'n' plays,” cribs, toddler beds, bed guards, gates, high chairs, infant swings, nursing pumps, bottles, strollers, baby books, nursing pillows, bassinets, diapers and formula are among the items we provide.
  • Toys, Bicycles & Sporting Goods — We provide the childhood necessities that can get overlooked by overburdened families—such as toys, dolls, games, bicycles, baseball mitts and bats, footballs, basketballs and roller skates.

Houseware, Furniture and Appliance G’mach

We stock everything from couches, kitchen tables, beds and dressers to refrigerators and ovens. Whenever furniture and appliances (or even exercise equipment) are needed in the home of a needy individual or family, the Chicago Chesed Fund can provide it. Furniture and appliance pick ups and drop-offs are done three nights a week.

Open on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. 847.679.7799 x107.

Prop A Party Centerpiece G’mach

The Chicago Chesed Fund lends stunning centerpieces, serveware and table linens to beautify such special events as weddings, bar mitzvahs and bas mitzvahs. 773.583.0831.

Ginat Shoshana Kallah G’mach

To brides in need, the Chicago Chesed Fund gives away such bridal shower gifts as kitchen appliances, dishware, vacuum cleaners and a whole lot more. 847.679.7799 x119.

Jane Webster Simcha Boutique Gown G’mach

The cost of weddings today is astronomical. To help ease the pain for families in need, the Chicago Chesed Fund lends wedding gowns for the immediate Family. 847.679.7799 x120.

Maternity Simcha Gown G’mach

The Chicago Chesed Fund offers a wide array of maternity gowns to expecting mothers in need. 847.679.7799 x121.

The Finer Things Women’s Accessories G’mach

For those community members unable to afford it, the Chicago Chesed Fund provides new women’s shoes, stockings, purses and other accessories. 847.679.7799 x122.

Bed Bath and Chesed Linen G’mach

The Chicago Chesed Fund gives away bed and table linens, towels and accessories to families who are currently unable to pay for these necessities.847.679.7799 x123.

Ateres Chaya Kallah Headpiece & Gowns G’mach

In fulfillment of the mitzvah to make a bride rejoice on the happiest day of her life, the Chicago Chesed Fund lends brides in need stunning wedding gowns and head pieces. 847.679.7799 x124.

Simcha Lend G’mach

For such joyous occasions as engagement parties, bar or bas mitzvah celebrations and more—families in need can borrow lightweight plastic chairs, six and eight foot plastic tables.

Routberg Memorial Medical Equipment G’mach

When families and individuals facing financial crisis need expensive medical equipment, the Chicago Chesed Fund provides it. 847.679.7799 x125.