"I needed clothes, and you clothed me..."  Mathew 25:36a, NIV

Photos and graphics courtesy of Watertown First UMC.

It is back-to-school time. Children and their families are shopping for their back-to-school outfits. For some families, that outing will include a visit to Sandy's Closet at First United Methodist Church in Watertown, South Dakota.

Sandy's Closet is named after Sandy Middleton. In 2014, Sandy began working at First United Methodist Church as a nursery coordinator. She built multiple relationships with the parents, children, and coworkers. Later, she became the children's ministry coordinator with Lori Jurgens.

Sandy Middleton passed away on April 18, 2025. The loss of Sandy weighed heavily on the hearts of many of the members of the congregation, especially Anne Olerude, a seventh grader and one of Middleton's students.

"Years ago, Sandy helped to organize and run a free store here at First Church," said Lori Jurgens. "One of Sandy's dying wishes was to hold a free store once again. Anne asked if there was anything we could do to honor Sandy. I told her we would try."

Jurgens chatted with some of the children at First Church, and they all wanted to help honor Sandy by creating Sandy's Closet, a free store with new or gently used children's clothing, coats, hats, mittens, boots, etc., of any size.

The collection for donations started in June and continued in July during Vacation Bible School. An area was set up at the back of the sanctuary for donations of new or gently used children's clothing. A goal was set to collect 500 items and $500 to open the free store in August. The store would provide a back-to-school clothing for 100 children and youth.

"We really promoted the goal among the children and youth, especially at VBS. We told the kids they could spray Silly String all over us—Lori or I—if they met the goal," said Bobbie Jenner, Co-Children's Ministry Coordinator. "If they exceeded the goal, we told them they could Silly String the entire VBS crew."

At VBS, 719 clothing items and $744.89 were collected. A generous community member, who was closing a community thrift store, donated 636 items. Congregational and community members boosted the total to 2,585 clothing items and $1,677.39.

"Throughout the week, our VBS attendees stayed focused and committed to our mission project supporting Sandy's Closet. And wow—did they deliver," Lori shared, "Thank you to all who donated to Sandy's Closet. The children met their goal, and several of the adults were showered with Silly String!"

On August 11, 5-7 p.m., youth and children, ages infant through 18 years, are invited to come to a classroom at First UMC in Watertown at Sandy's Closet.  Each family will get a bag of clothing.

"People can come anytime during the hours we are open. We ask that an adult come along to shop for a back-to-school outfit as we launch Sandy's Closet. Volunteers will be there to help shoppers find the right size. We hope to serve 100 children," explained Bobbie. "It is such a testament to Sandy, who was a true disciple of Christ. She was devoted to living out her faith."

In the future, Sandy's Closet is projected to be open once a month in conjunction with the Diaper Ministry Team's giveaway or the food ministry. Two members of the congregation, Rev. Marilyn Spurrell and Nicole Smith will coordinate the free store.

"Our dream is to keep it at the church, but time will tell. We are so thankful to everyone for donating and volunteering. It is such a great honor to Sandy and her family. It warms my heart," Lori said.