JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local volunteers handed out more than 9,000 sweaters, jackets, and blankets Monday morning to Clara White Mission and City Rescue Mission to help those experiencing homelessness.
Throughout November, the items were collected during the 22nd annual Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive.
The distribution took place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.
The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive is a beloved annual tradition that helps those experiencing homelessness in honor of Fred Rogers, host of the popular TV show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
It’s a way for the community to make sure the unhoused are taken care of as temperatures drop.
VyStar Credit Union, Suddath and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships encouraged their customers to donate what they could over the last several weeks. Monday’s event was presented by WJCT Public Media.
Clara While Mission CEO Ju’Coby Pittman said the drive will help hundreds of people at their site, and the coats and jackets are coming at just the right time.
“In a couple of days, it’s going to get cold. They come here, they get jackets, they get clothes, and a warm smile,” Pittman said. “For a lot of them, they don’t have communication with people, but know that an organization can come and provide services, it means a lot.
It’s not too late to donate. You can stop by and donate your items at the WJCT studios at 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville, 32202.