I wasn’t looking for a tuxedo.
I was just doing what I often do when I have a few extra minutes, wandering through the Genesis Benefit Thrift Store on Knight Street to see what treasures might be hiding on the shelves.
Then I saw it.
A beautiful tuxedo. Classic. Timeless. In remarkably good condition.
I bought it for $30.
After a quick trip to my tailor and a stop at the dry cleaners, I suddenly had a tuxedo that looked as though it had cost hundreds of dollars. For the couple of occasions each year that call for black tie, it was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
But that’s the thing about Genesis.
You walk in hoping to find something fun and often leave with something much better than you expected.
Over the years, I’ve discovered beautiful Williams-Sonoma dishes that still sit in my cabinets today. I’ve found quality dress shirts for less than the cost of lunch, pieces that, after a trip to the cleaners, and paired with a smart tie, look perfectly at home at any nice restaurant or board meeting in Dallas.
If you know your style and have an eye for quality, shopping here feels a little like a treasure hunt.
And then you learn the story behind the store.
That’s when you really fall in love with the place.
Genesis isn’t simply a thrift store.
It’s part of an organization that provides safety, shelter, and life-changing services for women and children escaping domestic violence.
On any given night, approximately 100 women and children sleep safely on Genesis’ residential campuses.
The women and children who benefit from Genesis’ services are also able to shop at the thrift store for free, choosing clothing, household items, and necessities that fit their unique needs and help them begin again.
Think about that for a moment.
That beautiful lamp.
That designer shirt.
That set of dishes.
That unexpected tuxedo.
Every purchase is helping support an organization that’s quietly doing extraordinary work in our community.
In fact, after learning more about Genesis, I’ve occasionally felt a little guilty walking away with such incredible bargains.
Almost.
Because then I remember that every dollar spent, every donation made, and every item purchased is helping someone rebuild their life.
That’s a pretty wonderful reason to shop.
So if you’ve never visited the Genesis Benefit Thrift Store, I encourage you to stop in.
You might find a vintage treasure.
You might discover the perfect shirt.
You might even stumble across your own tuxedo story.
And if you leave with something special, you’ll know your purchase did a little good, too.
Genesis Benefit Thrift Store
3419 Knight Street
Dallas, Texas 75219
Hours
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 214-520-6644
If you’re cleaning out a closet, downsizing, or simply looking for a meaningful place to donate, Genesis gladly accepts donations as well.
Some of the best treasures in Oak Lawn aren’t just the things you find.