Missouri Good Neighbor Week returns September 28–October 4, celebrating a year of neighboring across the state

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri Good Neighbor Week returns September 28 through October 4, inviting residents to recognize the simple acts that make Missouri communities - and neighborhoods - a better place to live.

"Missouri Good Neighbor Week shines a light on the everyday acts of kindness that strengthen our communities," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "When neighbors look out for one another, it creates a foundation of trust, connection, and shared purpose. We are proud to support the organizations and volunteers who make this spirit of service a year-round commitment across our state."

The statewide celebration was officially signed into law in Missouri in 2022 and has grown from an idea from Missourian David Burton into one of the nation's most visible and organized efforts to encourage people to know, love, and serve their neighbors.

"Missouri's experience demonstrates that a good neighbor week can be more than a single week of service. It can become a catalyst for year-round relationship building, with residents, businesses, neighborhoods, and local governments all playing a role," said David Burton.

ServMO is partnering with the University of Missouri Extension and the Show Me America 250 Commission to increase the visibility of this Missouri Good Neighbor Week by supporting the following community-building activities through mini-grant funding:

Mini-grant recipients include:

• Bismarck United Methodist Church
  September 29, 2026, 6:00 PM at 1013 Echols Street, Bismark, Missouri
  • United Methodist Church and Granny Barb's Pies will provide a free family style meal in the community during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity and encourage community relationships.
• Community Foundation of the Ozarks
  October 2, 2026, at McLane Park, Poplar Bluff, Missouri
  • Community Foundation of the Ozarks will coordinate the Ozark Foothills Community Connection Day of Service during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to bring the local community together to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
• Community Partnership of SEMO (CPSEMO)
  September 23, 2026, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, Various Locations
  • CPSEMO implemented a beautification landscaping project during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. Through the YouthBuild program, volunteers participated in a variety of activities throughout the South Cape neighborhood of Cape Girardeau.
• Lucas United Church of Christ
  October 4, 2026, 4:30-6:00 PM, 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Lucas United Church of Christ will host a community meal during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to strengthen relationships amongst the community through a shared meal.
• West Central Missouri Community Action Agency
  September 28-October 4, 2026, Various Locations
  • West Central Missouri Community Action Agency will host "The Community Heroes in Action" event during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to promote civic engagement and volunteerism by engaging the community in a shared service project where 75 household cleaning supply kits will be provided to head start families in Warsaw.

Mini-grants recipients will share impact data with ServMO following the conclusion of their events, including the number of volunteers engaged in event planning and implementation. Organizations who are interested in partnering with ServMO are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information.

"Whether you call it service, volunteerism - or neighboring - the impact is the same," said Brittany Crabtree, ServMO Executive Director. "Choosing to get engaged in your community creates a ripple effect that benefits all Missourians."

Residents and organizations can report acts of neighboring, submit nominations, find resources, and learn how to participate at missourigoodneighborweek.com.