WJCT Public Media and community partners will collect warm clothing and blankets for Northeast Florida neighbors through November 30
October 28, 2026, Jacksonville, Fla. — WJCT Public Media is partnering with VyStar Credit Union, Suddath and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships with additional support provided by Natural Life to present the 24th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, continuing a longstanding tradition of honoring Fred Rogers through community kindness. From November 2 through November 30, the public can donate new or gently used sweaters, jackets, socks and blankets to help neighbors in need across Northeast Florida. On December 17, 2026, donations will be distributed to local area nonprofit agencies Clay County Rescue Mission, City Rescue Mission (Duval), Clara White Mission (Duval) and Barnabas Center (Nassau County).
Collection locations include WJCT Studios at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville, participating VyStar Credit Union locations, Suddath locations and all Tom Bush Family of Dealerships locations.
For more than two decades, public media stations and communities across the country have honored the legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the PBS series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” through sweater drives that put compassion into action. Last year, WJCT Public Media and its partners collected and distributed more than 10,000 pounds of cold-weather items, helping bring warmth to local residents.
“Mister Rogers had a way of making every person feel seen and valued,” said Karen Feagins, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “I love that his influence is still being felt here in Northeast Florida. Every sweater or jacket donated is a reminder that being a good neighbor doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re grateful to our partners and everyone who gives to this effort.”
“The Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to care for its neighbors,” said VyStar SVP/Foundation President Patricia McElroy. “VyStar is proud to continue this longstanding partnership with WJCT Public Media and help provide warmth and comfort to families across Northeast Florida. We encourage our members, employees and neighbors to join us in carrying forward Fred Rogers’ legacy of kindness and making a meaningful difference for those in need.”
Suddath, a global moving company headquartered in Jacksonville, will once again provide transportation and logistics support to help deliver donations to local distribution partners.
“Being part of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive is one way we can put our commitment to community into action,” said Chad Gaither, Household Goods Operations Manager at Suddath. “We’re pleased to help get these donations where they’re needed and support an effort that brings people together around a simple but important goal: helping our neighbors stay warm.”
The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships returns as a presenting partner for its 10th year, continuing its longstanding commitment to the annual drive.
“Every year, this drive shows how much good can come from neighbors helping neighbors,” said Megan Bush Del Pizzo, Vice President of the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships. “We’re proud to continue supporting a tradition that brings our community together and honors Mister Rogers’ spirit of generosity.”
Drop-off sites are listed below. For additional details, visit here.
DONATION DROP-OFFS:
WJCT Public Media
100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Suddath Jacksonville
Both Duval County locations are listed here.
VyStar Credit Union
Participating locations in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Putnam, Nassau and Bradford Counties. Click here for participating branch locations.
Tom Bush Family of Dealerships
Find all Duval County locations here.
To download a flier to share about this event, click here.
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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).