Five Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Stores Will be Closing
It's a system that makes sense. Great deals on great stuff for a great cause. Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Stores support the programs of Idaho Youth Ranch, but now, five stores are closing.
The reason makes sense given that their purpose is to help the non-profit fundraise for their programs to help at-risk kids; These five stores are not making a profit, and thus, costing the organization money to operate them.
Idaho Youth Ranch has been making a difference in the Treasure Valley for 65 years, and they have a footprint of their thrift stores throughout the Gem State. They organization decided they needed to close the stores in Blackfoot, Buhl, Emmett, and Twin Falls already. Now, they've added the Chinden store in Boise to the list.
Officials with Idaho Youth Ranch say that increased cost for transporation and labor have meant that these five specific stores were underperforming their operating expenses and taking money away from the programs for at-risk kids that is the organization's mission.
They believe that realignment of the stores will allow them to increase funding to programs, and they hope to serve double the number of families and kids helped this year.
One cool note, all employees impacted have been offered jobs at other Idaho Youth Ranch stores or operations.
You can find out more about the changes and goals of Idaho Youth Ranch from our news partner KTVB Newschannel 7.