Mister Rogers’ Sweater Drive

“Won’t You Be Our Neighbor” Family Fair 

June 16, 6 – 8 p.m.

Christ Lutheran Church

2904 20th Street Southeast, Rochester, MN

 

KSMQ Public Television is teaming up with Christ Lutheran Church to sponsor a sweater and clothing drive as a tribute to Fred Rogers and his example of being a caring neighbor. The drive will continue to run until June 16, when Mr. McFeely, the “Speedy Delivery” man from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood comes to Rochester for a fun family festival at Christ Lutheran Church in Rochester.

            During the Neighborhood Sweater Drive, members of the community are asked to donate new or gently worn sweaters, as well as other clothing. Bring your donations to the “Won’t You Be Our Neighbor” family fair on June 16 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Rochester. Donations may also be dropped off at the KSMQ Studios in Austin or Rochester or Christ Lutheran Church.

            “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood personifies a place where caring and consideration for others instills good feelings in all of us,” said Marianne Potter, KSMQ President and CEO. “These messages and the wonderful values that children learn from the program and from Fred Rogers are timeless. Fred Rogers’ cardigan sweater has come to represent the gentle spirit, warmth, and nurturing of the Neighborhood.”

            “All of us, at some time or other, need help,” said Fred Rogers, “and whether we’re giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our way, everyone is a giver and receiver.”

            All of Fred Rogers’ original sweaters were knitted by his mother. Each year she knitted a dozen sweaters, and at Christmas, she gave one to family and close friends. To help set the tone for a “comfortable” visit with his young viewers, Fred Rogers decided to put on a sweater and change into sneakers as a way to help children settle in for the half-hour program. One of his infamous sweaters is on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

            “This is such a fitting tribute to Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. We are pleased to help evoke ‘the caring neighborhood feeling’ to help promote the sweater drive,” said Rev. Scott Schilbe, Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Rochester. “People need warmth, aid and assistance throughout the year.”

            Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood continues to be broadcast on PBS stations around the country. Viewers can also log on to pbskids.org/rogers anytime to watch full length episodes and play interactive learning games. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is the longest-running program on PBS, and one that is beloved by children, parents and educators. As much today as when it began, Fred Rogers’ unique approach to using television has been revolutionary in the industry. The pace of the Neighborhood series, which gives viewers time to reflect and comprehend, is more important for today’s children than ever.

            As TV Guide has said, “TV is all about coveting, but Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is about appreciating what you already have, about caring for others and seeing the best in them.”

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