The spirit of ‘National Good Neighbor Day’ is a time to strengthen community ties and recognize ‘professional neighbors’ who make a positive impact on our lives. Nothing is greater than reaching out and showing appreciation!
National Good Neighbor Day was officially declared a holiday by President Carter in 1978. Celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of September, the idea behind this day is to encourage kindness, build stronger relationships, and foster a sense of community.
“At Willow Pond Senior Center, we embrace this spirit by participating in neighborhood events,” Sara Chandler, the Life Enrichment Director at Willow Pond, shared. “Many of our residents were active in the growing Statesboro community. Some taught in Bulloch County and wanted to express their gratitude to those who followed in their footsteps.”
This year for Good Neighbor Day, Willow Pond residents, including retired teachers and caring neighbors, chose to extend their appreciation to 112 teachers at Statesboro High School. They planned a Cookie Monster-themed event, complete with headbands, coordinated by Chandler and volunteer Lynn Futch.
“My retired teacher residents know the importance of showing appreciation to educators -- especially given the demands for teachers,” shared Chandler.
Futch recounted, “We were asked to come to a 'huddle' in the media center at 3:15pm, the end of the school day. The teachers were a bit timid wondering what was going on. Then the smiles broke out when [SHS Principal] Mr. Wright announced, 'We are not having a meeting; we're here to say THANK YOU. The ladies from Willow Pond have goodie bags for you, as part of Good Neighbor Day. They wanted to let you know how appreciated and important you are to our community.'”
The goodie bags were prepared on a Friday and delivered the following Monday. Filled with homemade chocolate chip and shortbread cookies, foam stress balls, hand lotion, and a personal thank you note with a quote attached, the bags sent the message that teachers are AMAZING and APPRECIATED for their service to the community.
Teachers received the gifts and gratitude filled the room. One teacher remarked, “I've had a rough day, but this has lightened my spirits.” Another added, "You just don't know how much this means to us.”
Jennifer Kimbrell expressed joy at seeing two of her own former teachers: Sally Deal (her 1st grade teacher) and Jana Taulbee (her college teacher). Kimbrell said, "These two were awesome teachers. It has filled my heart with light to be able to see both of them!”
“The goal for senior citizens is to make connections with others in their community," Lynn Futch shared of the experience. "It starts with a simple ‘hello’ and a smile. There were many smiles during this event! Now it's your turn to pass on a smile and say HELLO to those around you.”