Good Neighbor Stories

State Farm Celebrates September as Good Neighbor Month

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:09:05 -0500

Observed annually on Sept. 28, Good Neighbor Day is a reminder that we all play a role in strengthening communities. President Jimmy Carter declared the day a national holiday in 1978 through a proclamation, which reads in part, “We are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others.”

State Farm is encouraging everyone to celebrate Good Neighbor Month this September by demonstrating what being a good neighbor is all about through acts of kindness.

Here are some ideas:

Find the issues that move you. Look for relatable causes that also inspire you to act.
Be honest about what you can offer. Use your skills, hobbies or abilities to help others.
Try something new. If you just want to help, however you can, look for causes that stretch you a bit.
Resist overcommitting. Keep from burning out by making time for friends, family and yourself.
Bring your friends. Inviting friends to volunteer is fun and can help the cause even more.
Be smart about it. Do some research to see how your time and energy make an impact.

Find volunteer opportunities near you.

And remember, even something as simple as buying someone a cup of coffee can make a person’s day a little brighter.

Happy Good Neighbor Month!

Delivering for His Community

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:07:00 -0500

Being a Good Neighbor is second nature to Dan Mann.

For 24 years, the Winter Haven, Florida, State Farm agent has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels of Polk County, delivering nutritious, made-from-scratch meals to the elderly and those in need, and serving on its board of directors. But as Dan points out, there’s so much more to it.

“Almost all of these people are living alone,” said Dan. “It’s an opportunity not only to deliver a meal, but to do a wellness check to make sure that they look and sound OK.”

On a typical 18-meal delivery route, Dan offers to assist his recipients in many ways, from bringing in the mail to picking up something at the store.

“Many of these people simply appreciate the joy of a 10 minute visit,” Dan remarked. “It always helps me center back to what’s important in life.”

For recipients like Harvey Curtis, volunteers like Dan make a huge difference.

“Receiving Meals on Wheels helps me to live in my home. I am not able to shop for groceries or stand in the kitchen to prepare my meals,” said Harvey. “The volunteers are so friendly and some days, they are the only people I see and talk to.”

Unsurprisingly, the demand for Meals on Wheels services has increased markedly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“It’s been a crazy time. Our meal count has gone from 300 to 450 a day,” said Dan. “And we make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines to ensure our recipients stay healthy.”

“Dan is a lifesaver for us,” said Susan Eldridge, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Polk County. “He’s very passionate about helping the people we serve.”

And Dan has made sure to pass on the importance of giving back to the next generation.

“My kids have grown up volunteering with me,” he said. “I would tell anyone interested in community service that you can truly make a difference and you always get back so much more than what you put in.”

In the News:

Four Corners News-Sun: Meals on Wheels volunteer, recipients reflect on program's importance (08/27/20)

Give Back on Good Neighbor Day!

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:52:00 -0500

Planting flowers in the park. Bringing cookies to your neighbor. Donating school supplies. You have the power to do good things. It’s part of being a good neighbor. But, did you know, there’s a national observance dedicated to actions like these?

It’s called Good Neighbor Day.

Observed annually on the 28th of September, Good Neighbor Day is a reminder we all play a role in strengthening communities. It began in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed September 28th National Good Neighbor Day by stating:

“We are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our nation and the nations of this world.”

This year, and every year – the observance provides an opportunity to give back.

Take part in the celebration! Here are three things to consider:

Volunteer: On Good Neighbor Day, consider giving back to your community. The State Farm Neighborhood of Good® can identify outreach opportunities near you. Here’s how it works: * Visit NeighborhoodofGood.com®
- Select what you’re passionate about (for example: animals, education, the environment)
- Enter your zip code to find volunteer opportunities related to your location and interests.
Give back in other ways: Small acts equal big impact. According to a State Farm® study, lack of time is one of the biggest barriers to volunteering. 77% of respondents also preferred to volunteer with people they know. With this in mind, here’s a few ideas to do good as a group:
- Go outside: Find a park or beach that needs to be cleaned up. Feel great about making an immediate difference.
- Meet your elders: Grab a board game and sign up to visit a nursing home or assisted living facility. Often, residents look forward to sharing their stories and making new memories.
- Cook a healing meal: Help a family or friend after illness, injury or even birth by making dinner and bringing it to their home.
- Get active: Volunteer as a group for a charity walk or run. Kids can hand out water or snacks and cheer on participants.
- Invite others to the party: When planning birthday or block parties, ask for donations instead of gifts to fill care packages for a local cause.
Enlist others to join you: List it on NeighborhoodofGood.com! Find volunteers, get more exposure, and grow your cause. Visit st8.fm/NoGRYO to get started.

Whatever you do, give back and have a Happy Good Neighbor Day!