I remember one time when I was a young child that I went to visit my grandfather who was in the hospital. We were waiting for the elevator and when the elevator doors opened, Mister Rogers was on it! Although now I only have vague recollections of the encounter, my mother remembers it well. She said that in person Mister Rogers was the same person that we saw on TV. He stopped the conversation that he was having with another man and began talking to me. In addition, he talked to me instead of at me as adults sometimes do to children. This is something that will always be special to me.
Being from Latrobe, Mister Rogers holds a special place in our hearts. Even though he is not on television anymore, his legacy lives on through the new PBS show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. As it’s predecessor, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood focuses on topics that are important to children such as disappointment and sadness or anger, or being thankful and appreciative. One of these topics is being a good neighbor.
What does it mean to be a good neighbor?
United Way of Allegheny County, in partnership with The Fred Rogers Company and WQED, presents “Be My Neighbor Day.” On 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.
“’Be My Neighbor Day’ 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,” said William Isler, president, The Fred Rogers Company. “Like our new series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, this event embodies the values Fred stood for and carries his timeless message to a new generation of children.”
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 Mister 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.
How will you be a good neighbor?
Many people think that in order to make a difference you must invest a lot of time and money to a cause. The truth is that small, random acts of kindness in your own neighborhood can make just as much of a difference. I try to set an example for my kids by actually living this value each day.
As I said before, these neighborly acts don’t have to be grand in order to be meaningful. Some neighborly acts of kindness can include:
- Lend a helping hand. Help your child in shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, rake their leaves, carry in their groceries, or just stop by and say hi.
- Take time to talk. This could be encouraging your children to visit with their grandparents, a neighbor, a friend, or even going to visit with the folks at a nursing home or hospital who don’t have many visitors.
- Treat others how you would want to be treated. This could mean holding doors open at the store, giving compliments, and letting people know that you love and appreciate them.
- Volunteer. Take your children to volunteer at a local food bank, homeless shelter, church, or library. Show them that giving back can be fun.
If you are in the Pittsburgh area and are interested in participating in Be My Neighbor Day are encouraged to 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.
Just because you aren’t from the Pittsburgh area doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in this event. The Mister Rogers spirit of giving back and caring for others isn’t confined to the city but is everywhere.
Just like that little girl in the hospital elevator, a simple act of kindness can have a lifetime impact.
What are some ways that you plan on giving back on Be My Neighbor Day?
