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FriMay 16

National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day – May 16, 2025

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

1933
Good Neighbor Policy

President Franklin D. Roosevelt states that the U.S. is keen to improve relations with the nations of Central and South America.

1985
“Neighbors” Debuts on TV

A hit soap opera in Australia, “Neighbors” runs for 36 seasons, making it the longest-running TV show in Australia.

2013
The Neighbourhood Band

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!

2014
“Neighbors” Makes its Box Office Debut

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

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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

  1. It’s a brand new holiday

    The first National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day was celebrated as recently as 2009.

  2. 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.

  3. Love thy neighbor

    “Love Thy Neighbour” is not just a biblical phrase but also a much-loved British sitcom.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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?!

  3. 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