I’m probably biased, but I think Granny’s Attic is one of the best institutions on Vashon Island. I have had the great privilege to volunteer at Granny’s for the past six years. I served as president of the board from 2005 to 2007 and was re-elected president in February 2010.

The primary mission of Granny’s Attic was determined more than 30 years ago. After realizing that Vashon might lose a community health center, volunteers got together to start a thrift store and used the proceeds to help retain great doctors and medical care access for the Island. Over the years, Granny’s Attic has contributed well over $1 million to the Vashon Health Center. These funds have been used for everything from X-ray equipment to the recently completed new exterior siding at the health center.

When Highline Medical became a partner at Vashon Health Center several years ago, one of the selling points was a monthly stipend Granny’s Attic agreed to pay to help maintain existing staff and facilities.

For many years, Granny’s Attic was 100 percent run by volunteers. Some of our volunteers are now in their 90s and still come in on a regular basis. Even today, our volunteers sort and price the vast majority of our items. Because of their efforts, we are able to keep our expenses lower than most thrift stores, which allows us to return more money back into the community. During the past year, just to name a few of our efforts, we paid for the dental van that helps uninsured Islanders get dental care on Vashon and have contributed funds to the Community Care Center. We are extremely proud of the role we take in providing assistance for health-related projects throughout the community.

In recent years, our donations have increased dramatically. This has created some great opportunities for Granny’s Attic to expand its help into the broader Vashon health community. We have added full-time staff to our operation and are committed to providing our employees with fair pay and benefits. In a time of ever-increasing awareness of recycling and sustainability, Granny’s Attic is a great example of repurposing — the ultimate in recycling.

We are extremely grateful to the many donors and customers who support our efforts every week. Without your participation, we would not be here. We would like to take this opportunity to remind Islanders, however, about one of our greatest challenges — the donation of items that we cannot resell. We receive roughly two tons of un-sellable donations per week. One can imagine the challenge of finding sustainable methods to dispose of these goods. We currently work with a metal recycler, a book recycler and several clothing and hard goods recyclers. Despite our best efforts to recycle as much as possible, many of our donations go directly to the dump. Our dump fees run between $6,500 and $10,000 a year, plus the cost of staffing and vehicles to transport the items. This is money that is not available to give back to our community.

We need the Island’s help to ensure that all donations meet the criteria posted at the drop-off sites. Among several items we cannot resell are large appliances, exercise equipment, computers, printers and monitors, textbooks, vertical blinds, TVs, stereos and air conditioners. We receive many other items that are not on these lists that are simply in such poor condition that our only option is to take them to the dump. As you consider what to drop off, ask yourself if it is in a condition where you would consider buying it from Granny’s.

Finally, I would like to make an appeal for volunteers. Granny’s is a great place to get connected and involved in our community. The quality of our volunteers is unsurpassed. This is a wonderful place to see your efforts making a difference every time you come in. Every volunteer reduces our expenses and directly contributes to providing health benefits on Vashon.

Granny’s Attic maintains a fine balance between affordable prices, quality goods and a reliable support system for the needs of the Vashon Health Center and the greater Vashon health community. We depend on you to demonstrate good judgment when donating. And again, we greatly appreciate your willingness to partner with us as we make Vashon one of the best places on the planet.

— Jeannine Emery is the president of the board of Granny’s Attic.