By Katie Aschbrenner
Development & Community Relations Coordinator
The holidays are here again! There is no better time and no easier way to show your gratitude for all the gifts of the last 12 months than by helping our neighbors in need to stay warm this winter. How? By making a donation to the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive!
What is the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive?
Founded by Fred Rogers in 1997, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive symbolizes the spirit of neighborly love and support. We’re honored to continue Rogers’ legacy by partnering with over 85 libraries, schools, businesses and other organizations statewide to help those in need stay warm this winter. All donations are distributed within the community where they are collected. While it’s called a “sweater drive,” we welcome any new or gently used cold-weather clothing items.
“When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news,” Rogers told his television neighbors, “my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
Be a helper this holiday season – your donations can make a real difference in someone’s life!
How to Participate
It’s easy! Check out our list of over 85 participating locations, and donate at the spot nearest you! Visit myarpbs.org/sweaterdrive for the full list. The drive runs Nov. 1-30.
Did you know?
Here are some “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” fun facts you may not know:
Handmade with Love: Did you know that most of Mister Rogers’ sweaters were handmade by his mom? Each year, Nancy McFeely Rogers knitted 12 sweaters for her family and friends’ Christmas gifts.
History Preserved: Did you know that you can go see Mister Rogers’ famous red sweater? It’s part of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s permanent collection in Washington, D.C.
Routine: Mister Rogers put on his sweater for every episode for more than 33 years. “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is the longest-running children’s program to air on PBS, and each episode features the same introductory sequence.
Perspective: Did you know that Mister Rogers couldn’t see the colors of his famous sweaters like many of us can? Fred Rogers was red-green color blind and could only see shades of gray.
If you have any questions regarding the Sweater Drive, please reach out to me at 501-682-4159 or email kaschbrenner@myarkansaspbs.org.
Thanks for being our neighbor, and for being a helper this holiday season to those in need!
GET INVOLVED:
2024 Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive
Nov. 1-30
Donate your new or gently used sweaters at Arkansas PBS Headquarters or one of the many participating organizations across the state.