House of Treasures

Every time a baby is born in the U.S., four puppies and kittens also enter the world, many of them homeless. Lost in the cities and wandering the streets, their plight moved a group of Santa Ynez Valley residents to found the Humane Society in the early 1970s. Today, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society (SYVHS) thrives in a sunny facility in Buellton, where it provides a variety of vital services to our animal friends. These include a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, boarding and training, and the promise of a safe haven for cats and dogs until they can be placed in loving homes. All of this costs money and in 1993, to help meet financial demands, volunteers opened the House of Treasures thrift shop in the shelter’s conference room. Two years later, the shop moved to a vintage house in Solvang, where sales of the attractively displayed inventory now funds fully 25% of the SYVHS’s operating costs. “We wanted a store that was more like a boutique, as opposed to a thrift store,” explains Carol Sherline, a volunteer at the shop, “so we came up with the name House of Treasures, because everyone can find treasures here.” The diverse stock, which is replenished once or twice a week, includes linens, throw pillows, stuffed animals, quality trinkets and brand name clothing arranged by size and color. “We have just about everything,” Sherline laughs. “We don’t carry large items like refrigerators and appliances, but we do have clothing, gift items, kitchenware, some furniture, and odds and ends. Right now, we have a fabulous selection of fabric.” Forty-five volunteers collect donations, sort, price and display the merchandise, serve customers and tend the cash register. “The store is run strictly by volunteers,” Sherline reveals, “and the money goes directly to the Humane Society. There are no paid personnel here at all.” Workers at The House of Treasures accept donations during business hours and, according to Sherline, are always looking for clothing and quality goods, including figurines, ceramic pieces and gift items. The mission of the SYVHS is to “serve the community by providing and promoting humane, compassionate and conscientious care of companion animals, and preventing their overpopulation.” Every dollar spent at House of Treasures helps to sustain and strengthen this essential endeavor. “We’re supporting a very fine organization,” Sherline declares. “We do have a lot of treasures at House of Treasures and just about every time you come in, you’ll find something different and unique.”