A free community exchange at the Levite JCC
Join us for a joyful community exchange rooted in bal tashchit — the Jewish commitment to not waste — and guided by the values of kavod | dignity, kehillah | community, and tzedakah | giving. The Mitzvah Market is a place to share resources, reduce waste, and support one another with care and respect.
No money is exchanged — only generosity.
Read our Mitzvah Market blog post
About the process
Donate with care
Bring new or like-new, high-quality items to The J during designated drop-off dates:
- Wednesday, February 11, 5AM-8PM
- Thursday, February 19, 5AM-8PM
- Tuesday, February 24, 5AM-8PM
Earn mitzvah tickets
Each donated item earns one mitzvah ticket (up to five tickets per person).
Shop the Market
On the day of the market, use your tickets to select items from the community exchange.
Share skills and reduce waste
Visit our mitzvah service booths for free small repairs and helpful services.
Have a mitzvah-filled day!
Please think “consignment quality,” not thrift bin. Donations should be items you would feel good giving to a friend or neighbor.
- No large or heavy items (generally carry-on suitcase-size or smaller).
- All items must be new or like-new.
- Clothing must be in excellent condition — no stains, rips, or tears. Think consignment, not thrift.
- We will not sort items at drop-off. Unusable items will be responsibly donated elsewhere.
We gladly accept:
- Home decor (baskets, vases, unused candles, picture frames)
- Dishes, mugs, glassware
- Art supplies
- Judaica
- In season adult and children’s clothing
- Jewelry, handbags, hats
- Children’s items (clothing, board games, sports equipment)
- Unopened personal care items (face masks, soap, bath accessories)
We are not able to accept:
- Large or heavy items (tables, couches, desks)
- Clothing with stains, rips, or tears
- Damaged or worn books
- Consummables
- Opened cosmetics or personal care items
- TVs or oversized electronics
At drop-off:
- Front desk staff will collect your name and email via a short form.
- A QR code option will be available for quick self-entry.
- You will receive your mitzvah tickets by email.
On market day:
- Show your ticket email to receive physical tickets.
- Don’t worry, if you cannot locate your email, staff will reference the check-in list.
Ticket limitations and use
- Maximum five tickets per individual, regardless of number of items donated.
- Tickets may be used for items or services at the Mitzvah Market.
- Service booth volunteers will also receive tickets to participate.
Free service booths
In addition to items, the Mitzvah Market will offer no-cost helpful services such as:
- Jewelry cleaning or small repairs
- Glasses tightening
- Tech advice and troubleshooting
- Resume reviews
- Small sewing or mending
- Professional headshots
Service offerings will vary based on volunteer availability.
Day-of policies
- No one will be turned away.
- No payment is ever required.
- If you don’t have items to donate, you may instead bring non-perishable food goods to receive tickets. Food donations will be given to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
- All leftover items will be donated.
Get involved
- Have a special skill? Volunteer to staff a service booth! (SIGN UP HERE!)
- Begin setting aside high-quality items to donate.
- Help spread the word to friends and neighbors.
The Mitzvah Market is about dignity, sustainability, and community care. Give what you can. Take what you need. Be part of the mitzvah!