Opinion
The Hot Spot to Thrift Shop: Idaho Youth Ranch
Welcome to the Hot Spot
Do you love bargain shopping? Ready to go on an urban treasure hunt? Well I’ve got the treasure maps and in each blog I’ll be sharing them with you! It’s all about the local thrift shops where you can get the best bang for your buck. We’re going to discover discounts, find out where your money flows, and even get the low down on behind the scenes. Welcome to “Hot Spot to Thrift Shop,” the hottest blog for NIC shoppers!
Let’s “Giddyup” to the Idaho Youth Ranch
This week we’re going to the Idaho Youth Ranch. It’s an Idaho based non-profit organization that is far more than just a thrift store, but more on that later. They have 24 locations including three in Kootenai County alone: one downtown CDA on Fourth St, one on Seltice Way in Post Falls, and an outlet just off of Seltice in Huetter.
The Youth Ranch sells a wide array of items: jewelry, clothes, shoes, electronics, antiques, household items, entertainment, furniture, outdoor/sporting equipment… It goes on and on. Not all locations have the same variety though, if you’re looking for furniture or sporting goods or kitchen items the CDA location has a broader selection. If you’re looking for affordable name brand jeans, the Post Falls store is the place to go.
Maybe you’re looking to furnish your dorm room and still have money left over for some Cup O’ Noodles, or maybe you want to grow your wardrobe with unique items that can’t be found on any old department store shelf. Maybe you’re looking for high-dollar items for a low-dollar price.
Some people make money buy searching for bargains, then reselling them on Ebay or other online platforms. One customer, Darryl McCulley of CDA, told us how he visits the Idaho Youth Ranch regularly, looking for the next hot item.
“One time I found a War Time Leica IIIC Camera for $15. That thing was worth almost $700! You can make good money if you look things up, buy them and put them on Craigslist. Sometimes I feel guilty so I’ll come back and give them some money to say thanks, and keep shopping.”
A: Because they’re “sneakers!”
$addle up for $ome $avings
That all sounds nice and dandy, but what if you just want to shop for some good deals? Here’s what you need to know to reach max savings, instead of maxing out your savings!
Is there a student discount?
- YES!
What is it?
- 10% off the entire store on top of other sale prices
When is it?
- Every Wednesday
What other discounts are available?
- 10% daily discount for military and vets
- Weekly rotating tag color discounts of 50-75% throughout the entire store
- Promotional calendars are available, each month contains a couple of coupons
So much more, than just a thrift store
There’s more reasons to go the Idaho Youth besides to shop the killer deals. Some people find it a rewarding place to volunteer. Lime Gallegos who moved here last October and is a new student at NIC, volunteers 20 hours a week as part of their NWC Support program.
“I’ve been here for about four weeks now. I like it, it’s very calm. The people are really nice, not at all like where I’m from. Everybody is so friendly. Sarah is really sweet.” Lime says, referring to one of the managers. “I like volunteering here because I can choose my own hours and find the good stuff, but mostly because it’s just so calm.”
Where’s all the horses?
There’s far more to the Idaho Youth Ranch than just the thrift stores themselves. The stores help support their main cause. You might have suspected as much from their name, but still wondered, “Where is this alleged ranch they speak of? Where’s the horses?”
The Idaho Youth Ranch was originally founded in 1953 as a “working ranch for wayward boys.” As time passed, our understanding of mental health evolved and so have the programs they provide. True to their name, however, there still is one operational ranch located in central Idaho. It’s run quite a bit differently now though, no longer is it a place for boys to work, but a program for any youth struggling with mental illness who could benefit from equine therapy.
“The kids get to do activities with the horses, so they can observe and bond with them. It’s not about horse riding, it’s about learning how to manage their emotions and connect.” Says Jeff Myers, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Myers has been with the company for 12 1/2 years and has had time to see the Idaho Youth Ranch really grow. They provide troubled youth with several different levels of treatment, according to their need. They have physical locations for in-person out-patient therapy, as well as telehealth for kids across the state.
“One of our newest programs opened in August of 2023. It’s a residential treatment center for kids ages from 11-17. We actually just had our first kid from north Idaho graduate not too long ago,” boasts Myers with pride. “Our facility is the first and only residential treatment center like this in Idaho.”
“We also have a very unique to north Idaho adoption center. The program offers open adoptions, with lifetime therapy available for the families. We don’t just look to help people and send them on their way, once you’re part of the Youth Ranch family, you’ll always be part of the youth ranch family.”
More than “retail therapy” available to NIC students
Last year, the Idaho Youth Ranch was able to help 785 children, teens, and young adults through at least one program or another. They don’t limit their help to youth only, they have services for all ages. Myers expressed his understanding about how transitioning through stages in life can be difficult.
“We even help kids as they move on from high school and up to college. In fact, there are probably some students at NIC who might be struggling and could use our help. There might even be parents at NIC who could use some support too. I encourage anyone to reach out because that’s what we’re here for,” Myers says, “It starts with making a phone call.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the services available through Idaho Youth Ranch, or would like to apply or donate, visit https://www.youthranch.org/. Whether it’s mental health therapy, or retail therapy, the Idaho Youth Ranch has got you covered.
Stay cool, another Hot Spot is on the way!
If you have any favorite thrift stores, or second hand boutiques you’d like me to feature, feel free to comment below, or email me directly at avdickey@nic.edu. Make sure to look for next “Hot Spot to Thrift Shop” in the opinion section of The Sentinel.
