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National Good Neighbor Day

Every year on September 28th

By Beth Marketos, Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial Publisher, Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Co-Manager, Macaroni KID Denver Assistant Publisher September 25, 2024

National Good Neighbor Day is celebrated every year on September 28th. In 1971, Mrs. Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana came up with the idea of a national holiday recognizing the importance of good neighbors. President Jimmy Carter established it as a national day in 1978 to promote understanding between people and building stronger communities.



These days some people think a good neighbor is someone who keeps to themselves, takes care of their yard, and basically minds their own business.  That's a really sad way to live. Being a good neighbor isn't hard! The smallest of gestures can make someone's day. Whether you are looking for simple everyday ideas or larger scale ideas for being a good neighbor, we have LISTS for you!  You know we LOVE a good list!! 


SIMPLE EVERYDAY IDEAS

  • Wave and say hello
  • On trash/recycle days - bring your neighbors cans up to their garage
  • On snowy days - shovel an elderly neighbors sidewalk/driveway
  • Help bring in groceries
  • Offer to water indoor and outdoor plants if a neighbor is going on vacation
  • When a new neighbor moves in bring over some sweet treats, welcome them, introduce yourself, and make sure they know about all social media groups to stay up on neighborhood news
  • If you know someone is sick, offer to bring them an easy meal
  • Bring flowers to brighten someone's day


LARGER SCALE IDEAS

  • Help set up a neighborhood Facebook page, spread the word, and use the Facebook page to organize neighborhood events
  • Organize neighborhood events, and by organize we mean post on the neighborhood Facebook page (event ideas listed below)
    • 4th of July bike parade 
    • Weekly neighborhood "happy hour" during the summer
    • Last day of school party at the park
    • Pre trick-or-treating Halloween party
    • Morning coffee chat at the bus stop
    • Walking/Hiking group
    • Bunco/Gaming group
  • Gather a list of pre-teens/teens that are available for babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, yard work, etc and share with neighbors
  • Create a  FREE MEAL TRAIN for a neighbor that's had surgery, a loss in the family, a new baby, chronic illness etc

Hopefully we've given you enough ideas to get you started! Now go out there and be a GOOD NEIGHBOR EVERY DAY not just on National Good Neighbor Day!