Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood sweater drive delivers

WJCT, in partnership with Suddath®, VyStar Credit Union and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, delivered boxes of gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets to three area nonprofits. Deliveries were made to the following locations: Clara White Mission, 613 West Ashley Street, 32202; Sulzbacher Center, 611 East Adams Street, 32202 & City Rescue Mission, 426 McDuff Avenue, 32254.

These items were donated by members of the community during the 18th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, which ran through November 30, 2020; during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since its local launch in 2002, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive has collected more than a quarter million articles of clothing and cold-weather necessities for First Coast residents. In recognition of Be My Neighbor Day, WJCT also distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, books, personal hygiene products, a blanket, and Daniel Tiger socks and mask to children in need in our community. The 2020 version of Be My Neighbor Day was made possible by support from PNC Grow Up Great. Daniel Tiger was also on hand Monday to wave to all his friends.

Representatives from WJCT, Suddath®, VyStar Credit Union and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships were on-hand along with Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, President and CEO of the Clara White Mission; Cindy Funkhouser, President and CEO of Sulzbacher & Penny Kievet, President and CEO of City Rescue Mission.

With the temperatures in JAX dropping, these three agencies have blessed those who are in need of a little assistance while they look for a way to improve their situations.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood 'Sweater Drive'

WJCT, in partnership with VyStar Credit Union Suddath®,  and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, has launched the 18th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. This beloved community tradition, which runs through November 30, collects new and gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets to donate to nonprofit organizations across Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau Counties.

WJCT joins Public Media stations across the United States participating in this event, which celebrates the memory and legacy of Fred Rogers, host of the groundbreaking television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” In 2019, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive collected more than 15,000 articles of clothing and cold-weather necessities for First Coast residents.

“Fred Rogers was the epitome of a good neighbor. His trademark red cardigan has become a symbol of compassion and civility — traits that are just as important to our society today as they were when his show debuted more than 50 years ago,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT. “We invite our neighbors across our region of service, from Palm Coast to Georgia’s Golden Isles, to join us in sharing with our neighbors in need this November.”

WJCT will collect donations at its headquarters, located at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville. Donations may also be made at area VyStar Credit Union branches, Suddath® offices and Tom Bush dealerships.

“VyStar cares deeply about the communities we serve, and among our strongest beliefs is the importance of providing additional assistance and resources to those who need them most,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “With that in mind, we will once again gladly open our branches to collect gently used items and encourage anyone who is able to participate in this worthwhile initiative to consider making a donation.”

Suddath will use its moving trucks to collect donated items, then bring them back to its Jacksonville warehouse for sorting, before delivering them to participating nonprofits.

“Last year, Suddath added ‘Caring’ as one of our core values, which honors our tradition of philanthropy and giving back to the communities where we operate,” said Dick Eschbacher, president and general manager of Suddath Jacksonville. “We’re particularly grateful to participate in the Sweater Drive this year, when extraordinary circumstances have unfortunately left many of members of our community disadvantaged.”

The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships has been a sweater drive presenting partner since 2017. “We are driven to serve the community we call home,” said Megan Bush Del Pizzo, Vice President of the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships. “Our goal is to ensure every donation goes the distance to help our Northeast Florida neighbors.”

For more information, including a downloadable flier to share with your neighbors and a full list of donation locations, visit wjct.org/events/sweaterdrive/.

DONATION DROP-OFFS:
WJCT - 100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Suddath - 815 S. Main St, Jax, FL 32207; 8743 Western Way, Jax, FL 32256; 11001 Pritchard Rd. Jax, FL 32219; 9601 North Main St. Jax, FL 32218; 5 W Forsyth St #100, Jax, FL 32202; 9140 Golfside Dr #12s, Jax, FL 32256

VyStar Credit Union - All locations in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Putnam, Nassau and Bradford Counties

Tom Bush Family of Dealerships - 6916 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL  32244; 6914 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, 32244; 9875 Atlantic Blvd., Jax, FL  32225; 9750 Regency Square Blvd., Jax 32225; 9876 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9881 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9850 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9910 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9850 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225

About WJCT: WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).