Jesus said “Love thy Neighbor” and National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is celebrated on May 16 to express gratitude to those who are closest to us. In fact, a neighbor is not merely the person who lives closest to you but can be anyone with whom you share a kinship. Therefore, your colleagues, friends, or fellow commuters also qualify as your neighbors! When we get too caught up in our busy lives, we forget how much fun it is to hang out with our neighbors and have a good chat with them.
History of National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day was first celebrated in 2009 by Starr Valentino. He believed that good things happen only when people come together as a community and help each other during good times and bad. Valentino has worked selflessly for years and today he has over 500 proclamations for Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day. These proclamations have poured in from villages, towns, and cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Starr Valentino founded this day of care and consideration 12 years ago. What started as an altruistic effort gathered a lot of recognition from local politicians and, today, over 100 cities in the United States recognize this day! Valentino says that the day is dedicated to helping and kindness and a day for Americans to express love and gratitude toward each other. The day is celebrated in neighborhoods by acts of compassion, sharing, and caring.
12 years since the day was first celebrated, Valentino continues to spread joy through every channel available to him. He asks people to open up their hearts to those in need as well as to those who make our lives happier. So get together with your neighbors to celebrate this day by spreading love and happiness in your neighborhood!
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day timeline
President Franklin D. Roosevelt states that the U.S. is keen to improve relations with the nations of Central and South America.
A hit soap opera in Australia, “Neighbors” runs for 36 seasons, making it the longest-running TV show in Australia.
The band called The Neighbourhood releases their song ‘Sweater Weather,’ which tops the charts and becomes one of the biggest indie-rock numbers of 2013!
Starring Zac Effron and Seth Rogen in lead roles, the laugh-out-loud comedy “Neighbors” debuts
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day FAQs
When is National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day celebrated?
It is celebrated every year on May 16.
Who started National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day?
Starr Valentino created the first National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day in 2009.
Can my flatmates/roommates also be considered my neighbors?
Yes! Anyone who’s your friend can also be your neighbor.
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day Activities
It’s the little things that count
Send your neighbor or anyone close to you a text or call them up to let them know that you are thinking about them. You can also drop in with some cookies and flowers as a token of your gratitude!
Offer to help your neighbors
If your neighbors are elderly or live very busy lives, help them out with simple chores. Offer to mow the lawn, take out their garbage, buy them groceries, or walk their dog. Your neighbor will appreciate your help!
Organise a dinner for your neighbors
Nothing makes a celebration better than a fun dinner! Invite your neighbors for a potluck dinner to celebrate the day with delicious meals and great conversation.
5 Facts About National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day That Will Blow Your Mind
It’s a brand new holiday
The first National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day was celebrated as recently as 2009.
It’s socially responsible
It’s important to acknowledge the people who make our community and National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day does just that.
Love thy neighbor
“Love Thy Neighbour” is not just a biblical phrase but also a much-loved British sitcom.
Meryl Streep and Gwyneth Paltrow are neighbors
You have heard of power couples, but what about power neighbors? — Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep are only two of many Hollywood celebrities who are neighbors.
The longest international border is 5,525 miles long
Canada and the U.S. share the world’s longest international border — it is 5,525 miles long!
Why We Love National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
It’s a day to express thanks
It’s a great way to gather your friends and neighbors to celebrate the community that you are a part of.
Who doesn’t love a party!
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is a perfect day for dinner parties and barbecue picnics, and who doesn’t love a good party?!
Because we love our neighbors
It’s as simple as that. We love our neighbors and sometimes we just need a day on the calendar to remind us of that!
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 16 | Friday |
2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
2027 | May 16 | Sunday |
2028 | May 16 | Tuesday |
2029 | May 16 | Wednesday |