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!
