Somebody’s Attic: A Second-Hand Store with a First-Rate Cause
Emily Buckley
Editor in Chief
The proprietors of Somebody’s Attic, Mary and Dustin Ayotte, with three of their seven children; standing outside of the store.
Somebody's Attic was established in 1985 by three visionary women - Carole Gibbs, Ann Jurinak, and Bev Landeen. It began as a humble thrift store aimed at funding abuse intervention and prevention in Cache Valley. Starting in the basement of the Emporium (now the site of the Center Street Plaza), the women sold items from their own homes to kickstart the initiative. Carole remained actively involved in the agency's decisions and board of directors until recently.
The mission of Somebody's Attic is to collect donated items, sell them at affordable prices, and channel the proceeds to agencies focused on enhancing family interactions in Cache Valley. Initially, funds supported CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse), a nonprofit agency providing services for individuals affected by abuse. Over time, support extended to The Family Place, another nonprofit that offers various services, including a crisis nursery for children up to age 11 in Logan, Smithfield, and Hyrum.
To date, Somebody's Attic has donated over one million dollars to these causes, with 2023 marking a record $260,000 in contributions. Additionally, they provide vouchers for those in need through CAPSA and The Family Place, ensuring immediate assistance is available.
"We value our partnerships with these agencies," Mary Ayotte, current executive director of Somebody's Attic, said. "We know the money helps make Cache Valley a safer, happier home for many."
DONATING TO SOMEBODY'S ATTIC
Somebody's Attic accepts a wide range of items in good condition, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, and housewares. Items not accepted include tires, chemicals, food, infant car seats, carpet, and used mattresses. They also ask that donations be free of rips and stains and are in general working order.
"If an item has brought you happiness, but you are ready to part with it, we'd love to give it a new life with someone else," Mary said.
Donating items not only declutters your space but also supports vital community services. The funds generated help fill gaps in programs, provide essentials for families in transition, and support therapeutic services for abuse victims. By choosing to donate, you contribute to making Cache Valley a safer, happier place for many.
Donations can be dropped off at their Logan store on 100 North and the Smithfield store on Main Street during store hours: Monday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 5 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
The success of Somebody's Attic is deeply rooted in community involvement. Over 65 individuals, including board members, volunteers, and staff, contribute weekly.
"I am grateful to live in a community where goodness is so prevalent," Mary said. "There are many nonprofits in our valley, and each one is working toward an important goal. A nonprofit agency's success weighs heavily on the community it serves, and we live in a community that gives back." Individuals interested in volunteering can inquire at either location.
"Directing Somebody's Attic is my job," Mary said. " But it feels more like a calling. I have always been passionate about abuse prevention and in educating families to stop the cycle of abuse and keep loved ones intact and healthy. I love Cache Valley, I have raised my family here, and believe it to be a safe nook in the big scary world. However, I know bad things happen here, and I choose every day to work to help make a difference for those suffering."
MAKING THRIFT SHOPPING SPECIAL
As Somebody's Attic celebrates their 40th anniversary in 2025, sales on the 25th of each month offer an extra 40% off storewide, attracting regular and new customers to discover available bargains.
Somebody's Attic enhances the thrift shopping experience by offering a silent auction for unique and valuable items. Special collectibles, antiques, and fine jewelry are showcased in the storefront windows of both the Logan and Smithfield locations. Each item is assigned a number, and interested customers can place bids at the front desk using a bid slip. The silent auction runs for three weeks, allowing ample time for bidders to participate. At the end of the bidding period, the highest bidder is allowed to purchase the item at their offered price.
