#United States #Feeding America #AmeriCorps #Various Cities #Good Neighbor Day

Good Neighbor Day America: A Nationwide Celebration of Service

On May 16, 2026, millions of Americans will come together for Good Neighbor Day America (GNDA), a monumental event aimed at sparking kindness and fostering community connections throughout the nation. In collaboration with America250, GNDA aims to inspire 250 million acts of kindness in honor of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. This initiative involves national partners including Feeding America, Trellis International, AmeriCorps, and Chick-fil-A, as they mobilize volunteers across more than 120 cities, including major locations such as Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and New York.

The spirit of volunteerism will be alive in communities as local residents, nonprofits, and faith organizations join forces to participate in numerous community service events. These initiatives are designed to create meaningful impacts in neighborhoods by addressing pressing local needs. For instance, in Orange County, Calif., events like Love Costa Mesa Day and Love Lake Forest Day will feature more than 100 service projects, allowing volunteers to engage in activities such as mural painting, planting flowers, beautifying seniors' yards, and organizing donation drives for foster children and at-risk youth.

According to Reina Cuthill, City Catalyst Director at Trellis International, each participating city will host festive gatherings complete with free T-shirts, food, and live performances. Cuthill emphasizes, “Good Neighbor Day America is set to be an extraordinary day for communities to create a meaningful impact while celebrating service together.”

In the heart of New York City, GNDA will partner with City Parks Foundation and New York Cares to engage volunteers in vital projects across schools and public spaces, directly addressing community needs. “Being a good neighbor is at the core of New York Cares,” states Sapreet K. Saluja, Executive Director. “We're mobilizing over 1,000 volunteers on May 16 to strengthen communities and deliver essential resources.”

Chick-fil-A will further enrich the event by providing thousands of meals to volunteers, ensuring that participants in cities like Detroit and Atlanta are fueled for successful days of service focused on neighborhood improvement and hunger relief.

Feeding America, as a pivotal partner, will coordinate food distribution events nationwide, aiding in hunger relief efforts across participating communities. Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America, expresses that “Good Neighbor Day America is a powerful reminder that our country thrives when we rally to support one another.” He emphasizes the importance of volunteer contributions, affirming that these efforts help to provide dignified support to those experiencing food insecurity.

Additionally, AmeriCorps will play a significant role in bolstering the GNDA through funding and volunteer mobilization for community-based projects, such as tree planting and park cleanups. Mark Lloyd, Chief of Staff at AmeriCorps, highlights GNDA’s importance in connecting citizens with meaningful service opportunities, reinforcing the significance of service in enriching communities.

Individuals eager to be part of this national movement can sign up at goodneighbordayamerica.com. By registering, participants gain access to the GNDA platform, allowing them to share their service activities with others.

Good Neighbor Day America stands as a celebration not just of service, but of the unyielding spirit of community. As America approaches its 250th birthday, GNDA invites every American to rekindle their commitment to neighborly love and service—showing that together, we are stronger.

For more information about Good Neighbor Day America and how to get involved, visit goodneighbordayamerica.com.

About America250

America250 is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, fostering a sense of unity, reflection, and commitment to democracy among Americans.