When you walk into Hope Family Thrift Store, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted with a smile—and maybe even a hug—from Lakesha, our dedicated Assistant Manager. With a heart for people and a gift for creating a welcoming space, Lakesha embodies what Hope Family Thrift is all about: faith, compassion, and community.
Lakesha first connected with Hope Family Thrift through her mother, who used to shop at our 51st Street location. “I was looking for somewhere to be,” Lakesha shares, “and my mom said, ’I think this would be a good opportunity for you.’” What started as a role at the register quickly turned into a calling. Two years later, Lakesha is a pillar of our team.
When asked what she loves most about working here, her answer is simple: “The people.”
Whether it’s chatting with customers about the “hidden gems” they find or offering a word of encouragement, she treasures the relationships formed here. “Everyone is looking for something,” she says. “Sometimes it’s not just an item—they’re looking for love, a hug, a little more encouragement. And we give that.”
One memory that stays close to her heart is when a woman came in after losing everything in a house fire. “She was down, and I asked her if she needed a hug. She said, ‘Yeah.’ That moment—it reminded me why I’m here. This is where I’m supposed to be.”
From furniture and home goods to golf clubs and bowling gear, Lakesha is always surprised by what comes through the doors. But what she loves most isn’t the items—it’s the atmosphere. “There’s something different in the air here,” she says. “It’s not just a store. You feel embraced.”
At Hope Family Thrift, Lakesha is a light. Her story reminds us that every role is a ministry, every customer is a neighbor, and every day is a chance to serve with grace.