BOISE, Idaho — Nearly two years after a massive fire destroyed its warehouse and outlet store in Boise, the Idaho Youth Ranch reopens its doors to the public.
The nonprofit, which serves teens and young adults experiencing trauma or abuse, celebrated the reopening of its distribution center Thursday with a ribbon cutting, festivities, and, of course, shopping for hundreds of excited, thrifty shoppers.
Idaho Youth Ranch functions as a thrift store, which then uses store profits to fund the nonprofit organization's community services and resources.
Jeff Meyers, Idaho Youth Ranch Vice President of Marketing and Communications, said the reopening is the first big step in the recovery process.
"On Tuesday, stores will be back to taking donations six days a week. So, Tuesday through Sunday, donations accepted at all the stores," Meyers said. "We're just excited to begin receiving those donations from customers on a regular basis."
In July of 2022, a fire torched the side of the nonprofit's Boise distribution center and the outside yard. The blaze resulted in a complete loss of inventory and a warehouse. The Boise Fire Department ruled the cause of the fire as 'undetermined' due to lack of evidence, a subsequent byproduct of the extinguishing efforts.
In January of 2024, the Idaho Youth Ranch sued its insurer, Alliance Member Services, Inc., and Swiss RE Corporation Solutions Elite Insurance Corporation for $10.7 million in "covered losses" following the devastating fire.
Idaho Youth Ranch CEO Scott Curtis said the nonprofits insurer distributed some money, but not enough to make up for the hit that their 24 thrift stores took, which rely on donations from community members.
The Idaho Youth Ranch wants a trial. A spokesperson with the organization told KTVB in February that they are waiting for the insurer to file a legal response.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.