National Good Neighbor Day

Sunday, September 28

 
 

Imagine if…

…on one day, every Jesus follower in San Diego intentionally showed kindness and generosity to their neighbors?

This National Good Neighbor Day, we invite everyone to do one small act of kindness, trusting that, like the story of the boy with the fish and loaves, that in Jesus’ hands our small act of generosity can make a big difference.

Getting Started

  1. PLAN: Below is a list of ideas to help you get started. If you have kids, be sure to involve them in the planning process.

  2. PRAY: Whatever you do, don’t forget to pray and invite God to work through your acts of hospitality and generosity to make an impact in the lives of your neighbors.

“Make small steps. Give the little you have and watch God do a miracle.”
— Jay Pathak, The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door

Good Neighbor Day Ideas

  • Bake cookies for your neighbors, put them in bags, and hand deliver

  • Have donuts in your drive way

  • “Sunday Sundae.” Neighbors gather for sundaes on Sunday.

  • Buy flowers/succulents and pass out to neighbors

  • Buy note cards, write encouraging notes and pass out to your neighbors

  • Kids paint/draw pictures, pass out door-to-door

  • Simple block party

  • Create a front yard water park for the neighbors with a sprinkler, slip-and-slide, and even water guns or water balloons.

  • Set up a reverse lemonade stand with free drinks for neighbors.

  • Make dinner for a neighbor who has just had a baby or surgery.

  • Help with unkempt lawns for the elderly or single moms in the neighborhood.

  • Host neighbors for evening coffee and dessert.

  • Start a neighborhood lending library. You can build a book box on a pole for the neighborhood or in a public place in your apartment building.

  • Offer to walk your neighbor’s dog(s). They might welcome the break and you might have a chance to meet more neighbors.

  • Invite neighbors over to watch a football or soccer game. Set up a TV in the garage or in your house, provide some snacks, cheer on your favorite team, and connect with your neighbors.

  • Bring out a fire pit in your front yard to roast marshmallows or make s’mores.

  • Outdoor movie night: Project a movie onto a garage or outdoor screen.

  • If new neighbors have moved in, throw a welcome party. Ask everyone to bring an appetizer or a dessert. (Sunday from 4 - 6pm is a good time.)

  • Organize a neighborhood ping pong, bocce ball, or corn hole tournament

  • Get all the neighbors involved in a free car wash at your house or a neighbor’s house.

  • Use the element of surprise with a gift or act of service that would bless your neighbors.

  • How about a potluck with a theme for neighbors on the driveway? Invite them to bring a favorite dish, or a traditional family or cultural dish.

  • Invite neighbor children over with their parents for a game night.

  • Host a soup potluck for neighbors in your driveway.

  • Grill hamburgers and/or hot dogs in the front yard to give away to neighbors (provide water as well).

  • Handwritten Notes: Pair small treats (like a candy bar or tea bag) with handwritten notes of appreciation.

  • Neighborhood Basket: Start a “kindness basket” (filled with small snacks or goodies). Leave it at a neighbor’s door with instructions to refill and pass it on.

  • Purchase a few inexpensive candles and deliver with a note: “Thanks for being a light in our neighborhood!”

  • Buy boxes of sidewalk chalk and hand them out to families with kids, encouraging neighborly art on the sidewalks.

  • Buy a few $5 coffee shop gift cards and give them with a note: “A little treat because I’m grateful for neighbors like you!”

  • Buy microwave popcorn and tape on a tag: “Just popping by to say Happy Good Neighbor Day!”

 

Tell us how it went

We would love to celebrate with you, so after National Good Neighbor Day, share the story of what you did in your neighborhood.