| History |
For many years, the non-cash operations which benefit the boys and
girls programs of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches were actually
operated as a pa rt of the Youth Ranches. From the early days of the
Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch (founded in 1957), non-cash gifts were a
growing and vital source of support. Eventually, the Boys Ranch could
not use nor house all of the gifts given and the Board agreed to hold
periodic auctions to move surplus items. Auctions progressed to four each year. Even with this number, the surplus items continued to increase and the Board looked for additional ways to turn the non-cash items which could not be used in the program into cash to provide needed operational funds. Thrift Stores, operated by the Youth Ranches, had been
discussed for some time and in February 1987, the first store opened in
Live Oak. Currently, there are four stores located in Live Oak, Crystal River, Dunedin, and New Port Richey.
In 2005, the Board of Directors of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches decided to establish a separate legal entity to operate these non-cash operations and Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises, Inc. (“SRE”) was born. The mission of SRE is to prevent juvenile delinquency by providing support to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which is a non-profit charity providing services to children and families in the State of Florida. In 2005, the Youth Ranches served over 12,000 needy boys and girls. You can help us serve Florida’s needy children by donating your non-cash gifts. Over the years, an amazing variety of gifts has been either used in the program, or converted to cash to provide needed operational funds. Your gift of items such as clothing, appliances, jewelry, antiques, furniture, cars, trucks, boats, and even horses will be appreciated! |