Everybody knows the Idaho Youth Ranch has fabulous thrift stores. But not everyone understands why we have those stores or what they're supporting when they shop with us or donate stuff we can sell. A few days ago, our store on Overland Road in Boise got a visit from an old friend who helped put it all into perspective. He stopped by to say "thanks" and store manager Stacie Price was happy to share this story:
Today I had the pleasure of meeting a very nice man. He came up to me and introduced himself and shook my hand and said, "Thank you." His name is Shalako, he was in the Ranch Campus program for three years as a teenager, and also spent some time at Hays Shelter Home. He told me that if he had not gone to the Idaho Youth Ranch he would not be the person he is today. He took some time to leaf through our coffee table book "Turning Troubles Into Triumphs: the First 50 Years" with his wife by his side.
He soon had to stop looking at the book as he was beginning to tear up. This small moment with Shalako reminded me and the store staff why we're here. A customer at the register heard the conversation, and after Shalako left she said she was so happy to shop here and know she was supporting a good cause, and she, too, was tearing up as she said it.
Just another reminder of why this store exists and why we're happy to work so hard.
-- Stacie
