In the early 1970s, Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana created a special “Good Neighbor Day” for her community as a way to get to know her neighbors better. Then, in 1978, President Jimmy Carter named a day in late September as an official National Good Neighbor Day, stating “As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities.”
2020 has been very difficult. A worldwide pandemic, natural disasters and more have dotted this year with misfortune that many of us have never seen before. But it’s in the worst of times where the smallest good deeds can have the biggest impact. So on this Good Neighbor Day (which is on September 28th), we encourage you to try to be a good neighbor.
Read through our list of ideas and pick out a few acts of kindness to perform today. No matter how you decide to celebrate this special holiday, we promise your neighbors will appreciate it!
Offer to get groceries for a neighbor in need
Since the pandemic started, the most mundane activities have become the hardest. Going to work, school, local shops and anywhere else that requires being in close proximity to other people has not only been different but downright dangerous for those who are at high risk of catching COVID-19, including the elderly and people with preexisting conditions. So if you have a neighbor who is high risk or immunocompromised who needs a little help—offer to stop by the grocery store for them! Many apartment complexes, HOAs and NextDoor neighborhoods have set up special programs where you can sign up to buy groceries for a member of your community. Give your local community officials a call to see if there are any programs in place for your neighborhood the next time you’re planning a grocery run!
Set up a free pantry in your front yard
As we’ve previously mentioned, the grocery store can be a pretty hectic place these days. So if you want your neighbors to be able to avoid it when possible, set up a simple pantry in your front yard where they can grab essential items like toilet paper, canned goods, fresh local produce and more. That way, they don’t have to go to the store for just one item and you can help out your neighbors without putting yourself at risk.
Leave an extra-large tip at a neighborhood restaurant
Over the past seven months of the United States’ COVID-19 pandemic, people all over Omaha have been hit hard, with many individuals having been laid off or furloughed for several months. Some of the most impacted businesses are local restaurants and bars, who had to close their doors to in-person dining and drinking for several months this spring. So if you’re in the mood to commit a small act of kindness this week, why not leave an extra-large tip when dining out or picking up an order at a local restaurant or bar? And if your favorite local dining spot is still closed, make sure to check their website! Many local businesses have set up places to donate to their staff online.
Offer to help a neighbor with yard work
Fall is officially here and you know what that means! Leaves. Lots and lots of leaves. Do your neighbors a favor and offer to help them with raking. Or, if you see your neighbor struggling to keep up with mowing the lawn, weeding their gardens or taking out the trash—help them with that too!
Drop off boxes of donuts at houses throughout the neighborhood
Photo courtesy of Bob’s Donuts
In our experience, nothing brings a smile to someone’s face quite like a fresh donut. For this Good Neighbor Day, head to Bob’s Donuts, one of our favorite spots for delicious fried pastries in Omaha, and grab a couple dozen. Then, distribute them throughout the neighborhood, leaving surprise boxes of tasty treats on porches for your neighbors to find. Know of a neighbor with diet restrictions? No problem! Bob’s always has a great selection of gluten-free and vegan donuts just for these occasions.
Get a couple of gift cards to local businesses for your mail carrier
Mail carriers are the unsung heroes of the service industry—making sure you get your mail through sun, rain, snow and even a pandemic. So this Good Neighbor Day, show a little love to your mail carrier through local gift cards to some local businesses! Not only will this let you show your appreciation to the person who delivers your mail every day, but it will also help support your favorite local shops and restaurants. Click here for a full list of Omaha businesses that are currently selling gift cards online.
Buy a coffee for the person behind you at your local coffee shop
Sometimes, paying it forward can be as simple as paying for someone else’s order at a coffee shop! Whether you’re in line at a drive-through or inside, waiting for your coffee to be made, ask your barista if you can pay for the person behind you. You can also leave a $20 bill and tell them to use it for customers until it runs out. However you decide to commit this small act of kindness, it will make someone’s morning and encourage others to pay it forward in other ways throughout the day.
Leave kind notes on cars throughout the neighborhood
These days, everyone could use a kind word. If you find yourself with an excess of thank you notes or seasonal cards, why not use a few to spread encouragement throughout the neighborhood? You can also use this as an opportunity to introduce yourself to your neighbors and to leave your contact information if they need anything in the future. That way when the pandemic ends—you might even find yourself with a few new friends!
Make a donation to a community fundraising effort
You’ve read those calls for donations on your neighborhood’s newsletters or Facebook page for a new community garden, a new pool, or another worthy neighborhood update. This month, take a moment out of your day to read all about the cause and make a donation, no matter how small.
Serenade your neighbors with beautiful music
Do you play an instrument? Guitar, violin, piano, cello—no matter what your skill is, you can use it to give a little gift to your neighborhood! Sit outside and play some music softly, letting it spread slowly throughout the community. As long as you aren’t being disruptive during the night or early morning, your neighbors will most likely love it and come out to watch the private concert.
Say “Hello”
So often these days, we dash from our homes to our cars and back again without looking up to greet our community members. We bypass our neighbors on the street with a slight head nod and avoid eye contact while driving by, as to avoid any unnecessary conversations. But now more than ever, we could all use someone to talk to—even if it’s just a simple “Hello, how are you today?” So the next time you see a neighbor, make sure to stop and greet them. One small exchange can change someone’s entire day.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” — Mr. Rogers
How are you planning to be a good neighbor today? Let us know in the comments!