Nonprofit The Fred Rogers Company has received a US$2 million donation from The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program to support production of its Emmy-nominated preschool series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which is coproduced by 9 Story Entertainment, New York’s Out of the Blue and The Fred Rogers Company.

The Rite Aid Foundation, created by U.S. drug store chain Rite Aid Corporation in 2001, connects with millions of young children and their families throughout the U.S. with the goal of supporting the health and well-being of children. (To date, it has awarded roughly US$21 million to nonprofit organizations.)

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid’s wellness+ with Plenti program can round up their in-store or online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 300 nonprofit organizations focused on supporting the wellbeing of children.

From February, a special Rite Aid Foundation underwriting spot will broadcast before and after every episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood aired on PBS KIDS and be included on digital platforms. Last July, the pubcaster ordered 20 new episodes for the third season of the acclaimed animated preschool series.

– From Kidscreen