'Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood's' Mr. McFeely to Kick Off DuPage Children's Museum Sweater Drive

DuPage Children’s Museum will sponsor a sweater and clothing drive as a tribute to Fred Rogers and his example of being a caring neighbor.

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The "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" Sweater Drive will begin on Sunday, Jan. 27 and run through Feb. 28. To help launch the community service project, Mr. McFeely, the Speedy Delivery man from the popular children’s television series "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood," will make a special appearance at DuPage Children’s Museum on Sunday, Jan. 27.

During the sweater drive, members of the community are asked to donate new or gently worn sweaters, as well as other clothing items. Receptacles to collect the sweaters will be stationed at DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Local charitable organizations DuPage PADS and Hesed House will be the beneficiaries of all clothing donations.

“This is such a fitting tribute to Fred Rogers and "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,"” said Sue Broad, CEO and President of DuPage Children’s Museum in a release. “We are so pleased to help evoke that ‘caring neighbor’ feeling through this sweater drive and we’re honored to have Mr. McFeely join us to help spread these timeless values to our community members.”

To kick off the sweater drive, Mr. McFeely will make a special appearance at DuPage Children’s Museum on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., where visitors will have the opportunity to get photos and autographs. Museum membership or paid admission is required.

An exclusive members-only presentation with Mr. McFeely and some of the original "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" puppets will also be held that same day from 11:00 a.m. to Noon at Washington Jr. High School, 201 N. Washington St., Naperville, right next to the Museum.

Mr. McFeely’s visit also marks the culmination of "How People Make Things," a traveling exhibit at DuPage Children’s Museum inspired by the factory tour segments from "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood." Created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, "How People Make Things" tells the story of how everyday objects are made by linking familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas and technology. The traveling exhibit is now open at DuPage Children’s Museum through Sunday, January 27.

For more information, visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

Submitted by DuPage Children's Museum