Library takes winter apparel donations as part of Mister Rogers Sweater Drive

The Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., is collecting new and gently used winter wear for Arkansas Educational Television Network’s Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive as a tribute to Fred Rogers and his example of being a caring neighbor, a news release said.

Donations will be collected through November. Members of the community are asked to donate new or gently worn sweaters and other winter apparel at the library, in a receptacle that will be placed in a prominent location, the release said.

Sweaters collected during the drive will be distributed by The Salvation Army. Donations may also be dropped off at the Hot Springs Family YMCA located at 130 Werner St., Red Light Roastery located at 1003 Park Ave., and outside the main office at Hot Springs Park Magnet School located at 617 Main St.

“Mister Rogers epitomized the mission of educational public service media,” AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said in the release. “He dedicated his career to helping children and families grow together and thrive. His legacy is carried on through the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. We are proud to conduct this drive to help many Arkansas neighbors and keep Fred Rogers’ spirit alive.”

“To help set the tone for a ‘comfortable’ visit with his young viewers, Rogers put on a sweater and changed into sneakers as a way to help children settle in for ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’ All of Rogers’ original sweaters were knitted by his mother, Nancy

McFeely Rogers. Each year, she knitted a dozen sweaters and gave them to family and close friends at Christmas,” the release said.

Over the course of more than 40 years, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” PBS’ longest-running chil- dren’s series, earned four Daytime Emmys. Rogers received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and was recognized in 2002 with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his contributions to children’s development and education using broadcast television.

“We’ve collected sweaters, jackets, and other winter clothing items for the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive for several years, each year collecting around 500 items,” said Erin Baber, the library’s public relations coordinator. “With the help of the YMCA, Red Light Roastery, and Hot Springs Park Magnet School, we’re hoping to make donating clothing as convenient as possible. Just about everyone has something in the back of their closet that they never wear or don’t need. Take advantage of the season of giving to give something vital to someone in need.”

The Garland County Public Library is one of 30 libraries across Arkansas participating in this year’s statewide Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive.

Visit the library online at http://www.gclibrary. com or call the library at 623-4161 or 922-4483 for information about special events, library collections, or library services.