In the early 1970s, Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana created National Good Neighbor Day as a way to connect with and get to know her neighbors better. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4601, establishing September 24th as National Good Neighbor Day, and stated “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.”

While the exact date of National Good Neighbor Day has changed over the years—2020’s is on September 28th—the purpose of the day has remained the same: to be a good neighbor.

It’s not a secret that 2020 has been hard. From a worldwide pandemic to natural disasters, we’ve seen it all. So if there was ever a year to spend National Good Neighbor Day performing small acts of kindness around the community, it’s this one.

That’s why we rounded up a few ideas of what you can do to be a good neighbor this year around Ann Arbor! Read on and pick out a few to perform today. No matter how you decide to celebrate, we promise it will be appreciated.

 

Bring your neighbor some freshly baked goods

There’s nothing like a box of freshly baked cookies, breads and pastries to brighten up someone’s day. Head to Zingerman’s Bakehouse and pick up a variety of goodies to gift your neighbor and leave them on their doorstep! Just remember to be mindful of allergies and dietary restrictions. Or, better yet, take one of Zingerman BAKE’s virtual classes that will teach you how to make your own baked goods that you can give to your neighbors all year long.

 

Leave a gift out for your mail carrier

Mail carriers have always been some of the hardest-working people in your neighborhood. And since the pandemic started in the United States this past March and social distancing measures required many to start buying online rather than in-person, mail carriers have had to work even harder to help get your packages to you. Tell them thanks with a box of chocolates, a custom mug, a huge basket of goodies or even just a kind note to let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.

 

Get groceries for a neighbor in need

The pandemic has made a lot of the simplest actions seem very difficult and grocery shopping is one of them. Grocery stores attract a large number of people, which makes it hard to socially distance. And for those who have a high risk of catching the virus, including those above 65 or who are immunocompromised, grocery shopping like they used to can be nearly impossible.

So if you have a neighbor who is in need of some groceries this week, reach out to them and ask if you can help!

 

Leave a bouquet of flowers on a neighbor’s doorstep

Sometimes, putting a smile on someone’s face is as easy as giving them a bouquet of flowers! Whether you want to create an arrangement from flowers in your garden or want to order one from a local florist—we promise the effort won’t go unnoticed. Click here for a list of our favorite flower shops and florists in the area and help support local businesses while you’re at it!

 

Offer to assist your neighbor with any yard work

Fall is here and that means that leaves are going to be accumulating throughout the neighborhood at an exponential rate. So if you see a neighbor struggling to keep up with the mess, or someone who needs a little weeding or driveway shoveling done, don’t hesitate to reach out! Not only will it give you the chance to help out a neighbor, but you might even get a little workout in while you’re at it.

 

Chalk your walk

One of our favorite ways locals have been showing off their love for their neighborhood over the past seven months is through chalk art! Whether it’s children doodling all over the sidewalk or a signature piece from Ann Arbor’s favorite chalk artist David Zinn, the smiles it brings from passersby are all the same. But if you want to leave a positive message to help keep spirits up in your neighborhood, grab some chalk and sketch out some kind words in your driveway or your sidewalk!

 

Spend a few minutes cleaning up any trash in the area

Being a good neighbor can be as simple as stopping to pick up a handful of trash on the side of the street! If you have a half hour, take a quiet walk throughout your area and search for any litter that you can pick up and throw away properly.

 

Leave a card on a neighbor’s windshield

Funny or sentimental, congratulatory or friendly—cards can say anything you want them to. Head to Rock Paper Scissors, one of our favorite places for gifts and cards in Ann Arbor, to pick up a few cards to place on cars around the neighborhood. If you haven’t met your neighbors yet, use this as an opportunity to introduce yourself and include your contact information for them to use if they’re ever in need. While it isn’t a massive gesture, it will let your neighbors know that you’re thinking of them.

 

Leave a large tip the next time you order from a neighborhood restaurant

Photo courtesy of Frita Batidos

While social-distancing measures have relaxed a little over the past few months, restaurant workers have still struggled to make ends meet, with many being laid off or furloughed for the time being. So the next time you visit your favorite neighborhood restaurant—here’s a list of our favorites which includes spots like Frita Batidos, Sava’s, Jolly Pumpkin and more—leave an extra-large tip for your server. And if you ordered online for takeout or delivery, there are still several local restaurants and coffee shops that have an option to tip waitstaff on their website.

 

Call a neighbor on the phone just to chat

Remember the days before texting and social media? We had to actually call people on the phone to see how they were doing. Travel back to the past and give your neighbors a call just to chat! Not only will this give you the opportunity to socialize with people other than your immediate family, but it will also allow you to check in with members of your community who may not be able to get out very often.

 

Ask someone you see on the street “How are you?” — and mean it

At the end of the day, being a good neighbor means actually caring about the people and businesses that reside around you. So we challenge you to say “Hello” to the next person you see on your street and to ask them how they’re doing. You may even get a new friend out of it!

 

Hey neighbor!

What acts of kindness will you perform this week in honor of Good Neighbor Day? Let us know in the comments!