This month, help WTCI bring the spirit of America’s favorite neighbor to the Tennessee Valley during the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. Running February 6 through February 27, the drive will benefit the Community Kitchen of Greater Chattanooga, United Way of Bradley County and the Samaritan Center.

Bring your new or gently used sweaters to donate at the WTCI studio on Bonnyshire Drive, any area Regions Bank or Gordon’s Cleaners.

“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.”

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood airs on WTCI weekdays at 6a.m. It is the longest-running program on PBS, and one that is beloved by children, parents and educators. 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 sweaters is on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

Sponsors