Our Story

My Friends Closet is a story of neighbors helping neighbors. Over 20 years ago, Pastor Dane Miller of Serenity Baptist Church had more donated clothes than the church could store but knew the clothes were needed. So he tapped on the shoulder of Sandy Pedersen, who took the challenge. Our heroine, Sandy, got her feet wet the first year when she put on a clothing giveaway at the church for one day. Thousands of clothing items were stacked on tables for anyone to go through and take. It was a success, but Sandy knew people needed a chance at suitable clothing for more than just one day a year. Sandy grew up in a low-income family with five children and believed that people feel better if they can pay for items rather than get them for free. Killing two birds with one stone, she charged low prices for suitable clothing. Then she returned that money to the community through the non-profit Friends of Robles Ranch, Inc. So, in steps our heroes' sidekicks, Marian Whitfield and Marian Ethridge; if you want something done, go to the "Marian's"! November of 2003 was the beginning of Three Point's very own clothing bank! Sandy now had the task of setting up the shop. The very few but courageous volunteers went through bag after bag of used clothing and started hanging and pricing. At first, the volunteers kept all donated clothing, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Still, the most beautiful thing started happening: the community began donating wonderful clothing and household items! These good donations allowed Sandy and the other volunteers to be more discerning. "If I won't wear it, why would I expect someone else to?" was the new motto and the motto that has stuck for these ten years. Then this little clothing store in little ol' Three Points, AZ., went regional as Sandy made a yearly sweep through California, Washington, and Oregon and picked up books and clothing that friends and family donated to the store. The store even passes on the clothing and household items they don't keep to the Salvation Army every week. Sandy's eight-year-old granddaughter, Mariah Jackson, suggested that the clothing store not charge for books. An avid book lover, in her mind, there should never be a fee to read, so Sandy put her to the task of finding an alternative, and she did, and so started the lending library. The only rule is to return what you take or replace it with another book. So, what happened to Sandy and those brave volunteers from the beginning of this journey? Well, they are still there and have multiplied, as have the donations. Sandy can't say enough good things about her volunteers, but the biggest compliment is," They are what makes this store. It's nothing without the Volunteers." The Volunteers have so much pride in this little clothing store that they decided the store needed a better name. Something "community" yet "classy," a place where you can find good quality used clothing, you're always welcomed, and "everyone knows your name." The challenge was given to our customers, and "My Friends Closet" won the vote! The store has made it possible for us to have a Community Food Bank, give to the 8th graders going to Washington D.C., help support the Poker Run, Little League, Christmas Giveaway at the VFW, Talent Shows, Sports programs, supplies for our local schools, and community food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus many more. Last year, they were able to help a student from Three Points attending Flowing Wells High School earn a $1000.00 scholarship for volunteering in the community. It's called the "Marion Whitfield Volunteer Scholarship," This year, a Marana High School Student from Three Points will be awarded the "Friends of Robles Ranch Volunteer Scholarship." The store earned an Impact Award from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. Volunteering is their biggest kudos at the store and throughout our area. They have impacted this community, and Sandy's advice would be to "Volunteer where you feel needed. You will make a difference."