Mandy, holding baby Mya, is expecting her fourth child and had heard about Snoopits' Dollars for Diapers program, but business owner Mark Badgley (right) had to give her the bad news that no diapers were currently available.

 

Snoopits is a relatively new thrift shop located in a charming vintage home at 1235 State Avenue in Marysville. Filled with good quality bargains for home and personal use, the business is also guided by a larger purpose, thanks to the generous spirit of owner Mark Badgley.

The soft-spoken man has a tragic history. At the age of 10, he began using drugs. His addiction became worse as he grew older, leading him to commit petty crimes to finance his habit.

On December 22, 1999, Badgley was sentenced to spend seven and a half years in prison.

His incarceration was "horrific," but it gave him the opportunity to leave drugs behind. He has more than 10 years of sobriety to his credit these days.

But he also has a criminal record, which is a red flag to most employers. Unable to find work otherwise, he and a partner decided to go into the resale business. His grandfather, Arthur Queen, with whom Badgley lives, provided some start-up capital and Snoopits was born.

"We wanted to create something that really helped others," said Badgley, "and we learned from the food banks that there's always a need for disposable diapers. So we started Dollars for Diapers. Shoppers can donate money directly to the diaper program at the store, and we dedicate a portion of our profits to purchase diapers too."

Unfortunately, because of slow sales, there hasn't been any profit for the diaper program lately.

"It breaks my heart to tell these moms that we don't have any diapers for them," said Badgley.

As if to illustrate the point, an expectant mother with a baby on her hip walked through the door, saying she had been told she could get diapers at Snoopits. Badgley apologized for the supply shortage, then gave the young woman a breast pump and an assortment of baby products from his shelves.

Overwhelmed by the generosity, Mandy was almost in tears. "You really don't have to do that," she said. "I have a couple of dollars with me. I can pay something."

But Badgley wouldn't hear of it. "No, it's my gift to you," he said. He asked the young mother to leave her name and number. "I'll call you when we get some diapers in," he promised.

When a Tulalip family lost their household goods and clothing in a fire last year, Badgley outfitted them from the store and refused to take any payment.

"How can you take money from someone who's in desperate need?" he asked rhetorically.

The business owner's generosity also extends to his helpers, Woody and Dee, both of whom are volunteers.

"He's given me a second chance," said Woody, who has had his own run-ins with the law. "I love working here and learning new things. I've learned customer service skills, how to run the register, open and close the store. There's a lot of satisfaction knowing that I'm helping out."

Although the thrift store doesn't sell clothing, people occasionally donate clothes along with other used items. Badgley and his helpers sort through the clothing and forward usable pieces to Kids Kloset in Arlington.

"I try to find a home for everything," said Badgley. "It gives me something to do, gives me hope. I want to help as many people as I can."

Badgley looked around the neatly-arranged shelves of the store, all filled with useful items priced to sell, many for just 25 cents.

"We all deserve a second chance," he said.