Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive to launch at AETN Family Day Sept. 17
Posted 13 Sep 2011
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) will team up with The Salvation Army of Conway to conduct a Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive as a tribute to the late Fred Rogers and his example of being a caring neighbor. The drive will kick off as part of AETN Family Day Conway 2011 Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All of us, at some time or other need help, Rogers had said. Whether were giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to the world.
Thats one of the things that connects us as neighbors in our own way, everyone is a giver and a receiver.
During the Sweater Drive, members of the community are asked to donate new or gently worn sweaters, as well as other clothing. The Salvation Army will distribute the items to those in need.
Fred Rogers cardigan has come to represent the gentle spirit, warmth and nurturing of the neighborhood of public television, AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said. Were hoping that by donating a sweater, Arkansans will share this warmth with their neighbors.
AETN Family Day Conway 2011 is a free public event to encourage community spirit through family-friendly fun and entertainment, educational activities and community service campaigns and will be held at the statewide network headquarters, 350 South Donaghey Avenue, Conway. This years theme is Find Your Inner Superhero. Donations are not required to participate in Family Day activities.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, members of the community may donate sweaters and other clothing items at local donation sites to help families in Central Arkansas. Donation sites in Conway include: AETN, 350 South Donaghey; The Salvation Army of Conway main office, 950 Carson Cove, Suite 103; Conway Corporation, 1307 Prairie Street; and the Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler Street. Donations may also be made in Little Rock on the first floor of the Arkansas State Capitol, 500 Woodlane Avenue.
Any organization interested in becoming a donation site should contact AETN at 800-662-2386.
Mister Rogers Neighborhood airs on AETN at 5 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. on Sundays.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansass statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit www.aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at www.aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).