Neighbors Helping Neighbors…

Good Neighbors!

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the wonderful benefits of having and being good neighbors.'

There is a joy in having good neighbors as well as being good neighbors ourselves.  When you find yourself in need, it’s comforting to know that you can pick up the phone and call a neighbor for help.  Or even better, just go knock on his or her door and know that you will be warmly received.  There is a reservoir of goodwill that you can draw upon in those moments where you just need a little help.

At the same time, you might not need anything at all – but just want to enjoy the positive benefits of being with neighbors who become good friends, who get to know you, your family, and all those little events in life that we all experience day to day.  Sharing a story at the mailbox, borrowing a cup of sugar, or even waving as you drive by can brighten the day and create an unspoken bond of belonging. These small gestures weave together a sense of connection that slowly but surely turns a group of houses into a genuine neighborhood.

If you’re like me, you might remember growing up in a place where the neighborhood kids gathered after school or on weekends, playing ball across the street, riding bikes up and down sidewalks, or simply inventing games in backyards until the streetlights came on. Those carefree, great times were only possible because families trusted one another and felt a sense of common ground. That trust and familiarity gave us not just playmates, but a foundation for what community truly means.

Neighbors helping neighbors is more than just lending a hand—it reflects an understanding that we belong to something larger than ourselves. Kindness in the form of sharing tools, watching children for a busy parent, or supporting someone in a time of loss strengthens ties that can last for decades. When we act with generosity, we don’t just solve someone’s immediate need; we also plant the seeds of goodwill that others are inspired to return.

Strong, vibrant neighborhoods are, in many ways, the backbone of strong communities. They provide a sense of rootedness and stability, places where people look out for one another and create an everyday culture of care. In today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, neighborhoods that thrive on kindness and cooperation stand out like beacons. They remind us that true strength is not built on isolation but on unity, not in competition but in shared purpose.

Ultimately, being a good neighbor is about recognizing that our lives are intertwined with those around us. We celebrate together during times of joy, and we lift each other up during times of struggle. By nurturing our neighborhoods, we participate in something timeless—the building of community through friendship, trust, and mutual care. And in doing so, we pass down to the next generation the gift of knowing what it means to belong, both to a place and to each other.

Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs: The Heartbeat of Rural Towns and Neighborhoods

Throughout New Hampshire and in small towns across America, volunteer firefighters and EMTs are the ones who answer the call when emergencies strike. They often do it with little or no pay, often in the middle of the night, and sometimes after a long day at their regular jobs. Their willingness to step up ensures that rural communities, places where full-time emergency crews might not exist, can still count on help when it matters most.

Our small towns rely heavily on volunteers to staff their fire and rescue squads. These men and women not only respond to car accidents, house fires, and medical emergencies but also organize safety trainings, school visits, and community fundraisers.

Their presence is constant, both in times of crisis and in everyday moments of community life.

What makes these volunteers remarkable is not only their skill but also their closeness to the people they serve. A firefighter might be a teacher at the local school. The EMT who shows up could be the same neighbor who mowed your lawn last summer. That connection brings trust, and trust saves lives.

The work is extremely demanding. The hours are completely unpredictable. Yet many volunteers describe the service as deeply rewarding. It is a chance to give back, to stand for something larger than themselves, and to strengthen the fabric of their community. Their bravery is not about a title or a paycheck. It's about being there for others when the call comes in.

The model of volunteer fire and EMS is a cornerstone of small-town America. It is rooted in service, sacrifice, and solidarity. These are values that continue to keep countless communities safe today.

Kids Leading the Way: Young People Powering Community Projects

Being a good neighbor does not wait for adulthood. Kids and teens across the country are stepping up to lead projects that lift their neighbors and brighten their towns. They are proving that age does not limit the ability to make a difference. In fact, their energy often gives them an edge.

One example comes from Bedford, New Hampshire. A group of middle school students organized a winter coat drive for families in need. They collected hundreds of jackets, gloves, and hats, delivering them to local shelters just before the first snowfall. Their work not only kept people warm but also showed the power of young leadership in action.

Elsewhere, kids may lead food drives, park cleanups, and even fundraising events for medical research. A lemonade stand might turn its profit into a donation. A scout troop’s Saturday cleanup can transform a neglected playground into a safe and welcoming space.

These acts may look small from the outside, but to those they help, they are life changing.

These projects teach powerful lessons. Kids see firsthand the impact of kindness and learn that their efforts matter. They discover confidence in their ability to organize, lead, and inspire others. The skills and values gained in these projects will shape their futures and ripple outward through their communities.

These youth-led efforts are reminders that leadership can start at any age. Hope is not something we wait for. It is something we build together, even with the smallest hands.

Chains of Generosity: “Pay It Forward” Cafés and Closets

Being a good neighbor does not always have to be dramatic. It can be an everyday sort of thing.  Sometimes it looks like buying a cup of coffee for a stranger. Across the country, pay-it-forward cafés, free clothing closets, and small acts of generosity are multiplying in quiet but powerful ways.

For instance in Conway, New Hampshire, one café allows customers to prepay for meals. Anyone struggling can walk in and eat with dignity. On the chalkboard, notes pile up with messages like “Lunch for a neighbor” or “Coffee for a tired teacher.” The idea is simple, but the impact is profound. Nobody leaves hungry, and everyone walks away reminded of community care.

These efforts extend beyond food. Community closets appear in church basements and library corners, offering coats, backpacks, and shoes at no cost. Kindness campaigns spread through schools where students decorate lockers with encouraging notes. Sometimes kindness chains even travel across entire districts. The pattern is unmistakable. Small acts lead to larger ones.

Accessibility makes these projects work. They do not require large donations or official programs. They only need people willing to give a little more than they take. One free cup of coffee might inspire someone else to volunteer their time or donate to a pantry. Often, generosity builds momentum.

In times when division can feel overwhelming, these chains of generosity cut through the noise. 

They show that compassion is still abundant. Sometimes the most heroic act is simply choosing to care.

Coming Together After Crisis: Storm Cleanups, Roadside Repairs, and Mutual Aid

When disaster strikes, the value of being a good neighbor and having good neighbors becomes impossible to miss. Tragedies like floods, fires, and storms leave behind damage, but they also reveal the resilience of small towns. Again and again, neighbors prove that they are strongest when they stand together.

After a severe flood in Littleton, New Hampshire, volunteers turned out by the hundreds. They shoveled mud from storefronts, delivered hot meals, and raised money for families who lost their homes.

What could have been a story of devastation became one of determination and community pride.

Not every crisis is large. Sometimes it is the small, personal emergencies that reveal the greatest strength. In Keene, NH, when a family lost their home to fire, neighbors quickly organized clothing donations, temporary housing, and rides to school for the children. Within days, the family had what they needed to begin piecing life back together.

These efforts rarely come from formal plans. There are no blueprints. Instead, there are neighbors who see a need and respond. Clearing downed trees after a storm or repairing a washed-out road reflects the same spirit. People refuse to leave each other behind.

The message is simple. The first and most enduring line of defense in small towns is the community itself. In moments of crisis, everyday people step forward and show us what solidarity really looks like.

Positive Profile of the Week: Dr. Amy Roy – 2024 NH Everyday Hero

This week we are delighted to highlight a positive community spirit who personifies what it means to be a good neighbor, Dr. Amy Roy.

Dr. Roy has dedicated her life to serving children and families throughout New Hampshire. In 2024 she was honored statewide as an “Everyday Hero”, recognition that felt long overdue to those who already knew her impact. Her story illustrates how professional excellence and personal compassion can work hand in hand.

As a pediatrician in Manchester, Dr. Roy has cared for thousands of children. Yet her work extends far beyond clinic walls. She has organized vaccination drives, led school health initiatives, and partnered with nonprofits to expand access to care.

For her, medicine has always been about community, not just individuals.

Her leadership came into focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. She treated patients while also connecting families with food assistance, mental health services, and educational resources. She recognized that healing meant ensuring families felt supported in every aspect of life.

What distinguishes Dr. Roy is her blend of expertise and empathy. Families recall her presence at community events, her patient listening, and her steady encouragement. She has mentored young medical students, guided new parents, and given countless children a sense of security. Her influence stretches well beyond her office.

By honoring Dr. Roy as a 2024 Everyday Hero, New Hampshire recognized what many already believed. Heroism is not about grand gestures. It is about steady, consistent service rooted in care for others. Her example reminds us that the most lasting change often comes from those who show up day after day with dedication.

Quote of the Week:  Being a Good Neighbor

“Being a good neighbor is an art which makes life richer.”— Gladys Taber