Be My Neighbor Day Celebrates the Legacy of Fred Rogers

What does it mean to you to be a good neighbor? Lending a cup of sugar? Watering a family’s garden or picking up their newspapers when they’re away? Or maybe just a simple smile and “hello” shared across a backyard fence?

In honor of the late Fred Rogers’ birthday today, and to celebrate his deep and enduring impact on families everywhere, we’re talking all about what it means to be neighborly!

At The Motherhood, we believe that a kind gesture for a neighbor–whether it be a family living next door or one of our virtual blogger “neighbors” all the way across the country–can be a powerful thing. That’s why we are so honored to support The Fred Rogers Company for “Be My Neighbor Day,” an event that builds on the indomitable legacy of Fred Rogers, who for more than 40 years taught kindness, generosity and respect to thousands of children and families.

Be My Neighbor Day

United Way of Allegheny County, in partnership with The Fred Rogers Company and WQED, presents “Be My Neighbor Day.” This Saturday, March 22, 2014, four YMCA locations across the Pittsburgh area will host a variety of fun, free, family-friendly activities to give children the opportunity to practice being neighborly. Daniel Tiger of the PBS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will make his first Pittsburgh appearance as part of the event.

Inspired by an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, “Be My Neighbor Day” encourages neighbors to come together to help one another. Families will learn about acts of kindness, work together on craft projects to benefit their local communities, participate in YMCA Healthy Kids activities, and have the opportunity to meet Daniel Tiger.

Additionally, in honor of Rogers’ favorite attire, families are encouraged to bring a new or gently worn sweater to the event. Sweater donations will be distributed to needy families throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Visit www.bemyneighborday.org for more information and to register at one of four locations: Baierl Family YMCA (Sewickley), Western Area YMCA (Coraopolis), Penn Hills YMCA, or Thelma Lovett YMCA (Centre Avenue). There is no cost to attend.

Our Favorite Neighborly Acts

Several members of The Motherhood team share their favorite neighborly gesture:

Brittney: I grew up on a quiet suburban street where every family knew each other very well, so neighborly acts were quite common! One of the most heart-warming gestures was when my next-door neighbors brought a home-cooked dinner to our house the day my parents moved me home from college. They knew we had just finished an eight-hour drive and would probably be exhausted. It was such a simple act, but one I’ve never forgotten. 

Erin: When I was going out of town and expecting a package to be delivered in my absence, I asked my neighbors if they could take it inside so it wouldn’t sit in front of my door for days, exposed to the elements. They were happy to help, and I returned the favor not long afterward–I love how one neighborly act leads to another in return! In Pittsburgh, I sometimes took care of my neighbors’ dog when they left town, and they helped me organize a yard sale when we moved to Seattle.

Kayla: My favorite virtual neighborly act is when bloggers promote each other! When you take time to tell everyone about this amazing post you read by a fellow blogger, it warms my heart. I know it only takes a moment, but for that moment, the person you are showcasing feels loved! 

Nicole: Growing up, my siblings and I always took turns shoveling snow or raking leaves for our elderly neighbor who wasn’t able to. If my neighbors’ empty trash cans fall over or start rolling away in the wind, I always pick them up and put them back on the sidewalk.

What is your favorite neighborly act? 

Featured image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons user Debbie R.