Media Contact:
Neily Braren
Promotion & Marketing Associate, WJCT
904.318.2633 | nbraren@wjct.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community is invited to donate lightly used sweaters beginning November 1, 2021
November 3, 2021 — Jacksonville, Fla. — WJCT Public Media is partnering with VyStar Credit Union, Suddath and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships to present the 19th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive to collect new and gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets through November 30. These items will be donated to nonprofit organizations across Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns Counties.
WJCT is one of many public media organizations across the nation that celebrates this event in honor of Fred Rogers, host of the popular television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” In 2020, the sweater drive collected and distributed more than 20,000 cold weather essentials for First Coast Residents.
“Fred Rogers taught both children and adults all over the nation what it means to be a good neighbor. We at WJCT Public Media are eager to continue his legacy and share a helping hand with those in need right here on the First Coast, with the help of our community partners at VyStar, Suddath and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “We want to encourage the community to come together and donate winter essentials to their neighbors in need.”
Donation drop off locations include the WJCT Public Media headquarters, located at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville, as well as VyStar Credit Union branches and Tom Bush Dealerships.
“VyStar strongly believes that sharing our resources — in time, talent and tangible goods — is the best way to support our members and the communities we serve,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with WJCT Public Media and open our branches to this worthy cause, which helps us live out Do Good. Bank Better.SM in an impactful way.”
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.
“Every day, our associates put their commitment to our value of caring into action. We’re honored to share our fleet and our Suddath family’s dedication to service for this year’s Sweater Drive,” said Dick Eschbacher, President and General Manager of Suddath Jacksonville.
The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships returns as a presenting partner for 2021, its fifth year in that role.
“We are a proud partner of the Mister Rogers’ Sweater Drive, and look forward to another year of demonstrating our commitment to being good neighbors in our community,” said Megan Bush Del Pizzo, Vice President of the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships. “We want to ensure each donation makes an impact for those in need this winter season.”
DONATION DROP-OFFS
WJCT Public Media
100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Suddath
815 S. Main St, Jax, FL 32207
8743 Western Way, Jax, FL 32256
11001 Pritchard Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32219
9601 North Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32218
5 W Forsyth St #100, Jacksonville, FL 32202
9140 Golfside Dr #12s, Jacksonville, FL 32256
VyStar Credit Union
All locations in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Putnam, Nassau and Bradford Counties. Click here for branch locations.
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
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About WJCT Public Media
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).