You should get into a neighborly mood this week, because May 16 is national “Do Something Good for your Neighbor” day. This holiday, among the plethora of random national holidays held in America, aims to accomplish its name – to do something nice for your neighbors. No matter how much you love or hate your neighbors, it’s always nice to do something kind – especially because you never know what someone else is going through.
This holiday, as stated in holidayscalendar.com, was “created in 2009 by Starr Valentino. He created this holiday to help create neighborhoods with ‘tighter’ bonds between neighbors and he has helped hundreds of towns and cities across North America accomplish that goal.”
“I will be sure to give my neighbor a compliment to brighten their day,” senior Yasi Patel said.
Sophomore Mia Martinez participated last year by baking a treat for her neighbor, and she plans to do it again this year. “[This act of kindness was] enjoyable because it was relaxing to make the treat, and it made me feel good to give it to [my neighbors],” she said.
“I befriended my neighbor a while ago; she is a grade older than me, and we’d hang out in each other’s backyards and bake together when we were younger. For National Do Something Nice for a Neighbor Day, she gave me a job application to work where she works so we can be together more often,” sophomore Jordan Steele Orgad said, “Maybe I’ll bring over a cup of sugar to commemorate our baking days.”
In honor of the occasion, here are 12 nice things you can do for your neighbors to celebrate this national day:
- Bake them a treat
- Leave a special surprise at their front door
- Invite them over for coffee (or any drink of your choice)
- Help them carry in their groceries
- Offer to walk their pet(s)
- Carry their trash to the curb
- Send them flowers
- Write a handwritten, encouraging note
- Give them a compliment
- Buy them a meal
- Give them a hug
- Simply be a friend
