Idaho Youth Ranch operates a statewide thrift store network across Idaho with locations in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and other cities. Thrift store revenue directly funds their youth mental health, foster care, and residential services programs. Here's how to find current donation hours and what they accept.
Idaho Youth Ranch is Idaho's oldest and largest nonprofit serving children and youth — founded in 1952 as an actual ranch program, now operating as a comprehensive behavioral health and child welfare organization. Their programs include community mental health counseling, school-based mental health services, residential treatment, adoption and foster care support, and employment programs for youth aging out of foster care.
The thrift stores are central to their funding model. Idaho Youth Ranch runs one of the larger nonprofit thrift store networks in the Pacific Northwest, with locations across the Treasure Valley and southern Idaho. Revenue from donated goods funds the youth programs directly.
Donation hours vary by location and can change seasonally. To find current hours for the Idaho Youth Ranch store nearest you, visit youthranch.org/thrift-stores and use their store locator. Each location page lists current hours and the donation drop-off process. You can also call the specific store directly — numbers are listed on their website.
Most Idaho Youth Ranch thrift stores have donation drop-off at the rear or side of the building. Some are open for donations during all store hours; others have separate or limited donation hours. Calling ahead before a large load is worth it.
They generally don't accept: mattresses, car seats, recalled items, hazardous materials, or items in poor condition. Items should be clean and in usable or sellable condition.
Idaho Youth Ranch serves more than 14,000 children and families across Idaho annually through their behavioral health and child welfare programs. Every dollar of thrift store revenue that goes toward operations reduces dependence on government grants and private donations for those programs. When you donate a usable item rather than throwing it away, you're contributing to that funding base.
Idaho Youth Ranch is a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible at fair market value. Request a dated receipt at drop-off. You estimate fair market value for your items — the organization doesn't appraise individual donations. Keep a list of what you donated with photos for your records.
Last updated May 2026. Store locations and hours from youthranch.org/thrift-stores. Program information from youthranch.org. Errors: [email protected]
Idaho Youth Ranch is a statewide nonprofit founded in 1952 that provides mental health treatment, foster care, residential treatment, and community-based services for children and families across Idaho. It operates the largest network of thrift stores in Idaho — 18+ retail locations — where revenue from donated goods funds these youth services. When you donate items to Idaho Youth Ranch's thrift stores, you're directly supporting counseling, treatment programs, and housing for Idaho's most vulnerable youth.
The thrift store operation is substantial: Idaho Youth Ranch thrift stores are among the largest second-hand retailers in the state, generating millions of dollars annually for their treatment programs. The organization employs over 500 people and serves thousands of children each year across Idaho.
Idaho Youth Ranch operates donation drop-off centers at or near most of their thrift store locations. Major locations include Boise (multiple), Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston. Hours vary by location and change seasonally.
Because hours are location-specific and subject to change, always verify before driving across town with a truckload of donations. Contact information for all locations is listed at idahoyouthranch.org/thrift-stores. Most locations accept donations during store hours and some have separate outdoor donation drop areas accessible outside store hours.
Idaho Youth Ranch offers free pickup of large furniture and appliances in many service areas. This is one of the most useful services they provide — hauling a sofa to a donation center yourself requires a truck, straps, and a second person. Their pickup service handles this at no cost. Schedule a pickup at idahoyouthranch.org or by phone. Pickup availability varies by location and demand; schedule at least 1–2 weeks in advance for large items.
To qualify for pickup, items must be in sellable condition. They will not pick up mattresses, broken furniture, or items that are heavily stained or damaged. When you schedule, a staff member will ask about the item's condition — be honest, as they'll make a final determination when they arrive and may leave items that don't meet their standards.
Idaho Youth Ranch provides donation receipts at the time of drop-off. For in-person donations, keep the receipt and complete your own valuation of the donated items using IRS guidelines. The Salvation Army Valuation Guide and IRS Publication 561 both provide reference ranges for common donated items. For large or unusual items, consider getting a professional appraisal if total value exceeds $500 (which triggers Form 8283 requirements).
For pickup donations, the driver will leave a receipt. Make sure to itemize what was picked up on your copy — "misc furniture" is too vague for tax purposes. Write down each item with a brief description before the pickup team arrives.
They do not accept: mattresses, TVs older than flat screen era, recalled children's products, hazardous materials, broken items, or items with significant damage.