In the community

KCTS9 Mister Rogers’ Sweater Drive

Help neighbors in need feel warm and cozy this winter by donating new or gently worn sweaters, coats and cold-weather accessories during KCTS 9’s annual drive, which runs from January 12 to February 8. Fred Rogers began the sweater drive and inspired its spirit of generosity and neighborliness for six years before he passed away in 2003. “All of us, at some time or other, need help,” said Rogers. “Whether we’re giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors — in our way, everyone is a giver and receiver.”

Last year’s drive collected 7,000 coats and sweaters for local families in need. Collection bins will be located at all PCC store locations or you can drop off your items at KCTS 9’s Seattle Center Studio. Donations will be distributed to Wellspring Family Services and Northwest Center, serving Seattle and King County.

The PCC community grant

We’re thrilled to announce a new addition to our community programs. Four times each year, PCC will award a $1,000 grant to a school’s or nonprofit’s special project or program that truly exemplifies the spirit of our local community. We’re calling it The PCC Community Grant award, and we expect to announce our first winner early in the year.

One grant application is all that’s necessary to qualify for any of the awards during the year. We’re open to many kinds of organizations, but there are a couple things to remember. First, we need the grant to go to a special project or program of a school or nonprofit with official 501c3 status. Lastly, we have a particular fondness for projects and programs that involve food, especially those relating to food education, nutrition and/or food sustainability. Grant recipients will receive recognition — loudly and proudly — via our print publications, social media platforms and on our website.

It’s a different application form than our existing community donation program form, which you can find in our community section. Head there if you’re hoping for an auction item or gift of appreciation. Over the years, this donation program has brought numerous remarkable organizations to our attention. As you can imagine, we are absolutely delighted to begin participating on a larger level.

How to apply

We’ve made it easy for organizations to apply. You can find everything you need to know for the process at our grants page. It’s a short online form that won’t take too much time, but know that if you miss the deadline for our first grant, your application remains active for 12 months. We look forward to your applications!