National Good Neighbor Day 2025 Impacts More Than 61,000 People

From small towns to big cities, thousands of Americans turned ordinary kindness into a nationwide wave of community connection during National Good Neighbor Day 2025.

A total of 61,279 people were directly impacted by events and acts of kindness reported from across the United States, according to data compiled from 122 local celebrations. The reports came from libraries, city governments, neighborhood associations, faith groups, and individual neighbors who turned the last weekend of September into a living demonstration of goodwill.
The growth this year happened thanks to 20 national partners.
As one participant reported: “We hosted a front-yard table for anyone who wanted to stop by,” one participant shared. “It started with just a few neighbors, but by the end of the evening, nearly the whole block had gathered.”
Nationwide Participation, Local Impact
This year’s reports came from at least 15 states, including Missouri, Massachusetts, Michigan, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Illinois, and Wyoming. The top contributing communities included:
  • Missouri – 821 people impacted through citywide events and neighborhood efforts
  • Massachusetts – 619 participants engaged through public library and civic programs
  • Rhode Island, Michigan, and Wyoming – each reporting hundreds of people connected through local gatherings and service acts
From Lewisville, Texas, where Mayor T.J. Gilmore issued an official proclamation, to Hamilton-Wenham, Massachusetts, where a local library hosted a kindness board, National Good Neighbor Day served as both a celebration and a call to action.
“Our mayor’s proclamation made it official, but the real celebration happened in driveways and kitchens all over town,” another organizer said.
Themes of Connection and Belonging
Respondents shared a wide range of activities, from cookie deliveries and yard work for neighbors to potluck dinners, block parties, and kindness tables. Public libraries were particularly active, often hosting community art projects and kindness message boards for visitors.
Common themes that emerged across the nation included:
  • Neighbor Connection: Simple introductions, check-ins, and shared meals
  • Community Events: Block parties and front-yard gatherings
  • Service Acts: Helping with yardwork, cleanup projects, and errands
  • Civic Engagement: City proclamations and public recognition of the holiday
“We wanted to remind people that neighboring doesn’t have to be complicated,” wrote one library staff member. “Sometimes it’s as easy as sitting down with someone new and asking how they’re doing.”

A Ripple Effect of Kindness
Organizers say the 2025 celebration shows the growing reach and relevance of National Good Neighbor Day, first established by presidential proclamation in 1978.
“What started as one day of kindness is becoming a movement of connection,” said David Burton, Community Development Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, who helps coordinate the national reporting effort. “When we love the people who live thirty feet away, we change not only our neighborhoods, but the health of our cities.”
More than 65 participants asked to stay connected for future updates — a sign that for many, one day of kindness sparked a lasting commitment to neighboring.
About National Good Neighbor Day
National Good Neighbor Day is celebrated each year on September 28, encouraging Americans to connect with the people who live closest to them. The initiative is supported by civic leaders, libraries and nonprofits, with participation nationwide.

To learn how your city can celebrate or to find resources for planning your own event, download a Getting Started Guide or visit our Resources page. If your city is celebrating, let us know! Email hope@hopefulneighborhood.org or complete the National Good Neighbor Day 2025 Action Report after September 28th!

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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