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 part 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 six stores located in Live Oak, Dunedin, Homosassa, Spring Hill, Leesburg and Ocala.

A New Era

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 Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises is to provide financial support, goodwill and community involvement for the boys and girls served by the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

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 and boats. Your gently used items can make a difference in the life of a child.