Like Mr. Rogers in his television show, answer the call and be a good neighbor today

“Won’t you be my neighbor?” asked Fred Rogers on his television show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” nearly every afternoon of my childhood.

I enjoyed my time with puppets Daniel Tiger, King Friday and Lady Elaine Fairchilde and cast members Lady Aberlin, Officer Clemmons, Mr. McFeely and so many more! Mr. Rogers is a beloved figure. You can be like him! You can answer his call and be a good neighbor today.

Right now, in your neighborhood, someone needs help with their yard, help with groceries, or just someone to talk to. You are the solution! You can help make their day a little brighter, a little easier. The only cost is your time.

Maybe you need help finding a place to go. Lenawee Community Foundation houses our community’s volunteer center, Volunteer Lenawee!. We engage people in volunteering daily, because you give so generously of your time and talents. You are needed every day of the year as a good neighbor.

There are many ways to serve, including:

• Collection of items: Collect personal care items, diapers, spices, condiments, household goods, craft supplies and more. We can help you find a place for items you collect or provide a specific list for a nonprofit you can choose before you start collecting.

• Environment: Park cleanups, pick up litter at local schools or churches.

• Pantry workers: Pack boxes at food pantries or deliver boxes to those in need.

• Senior citizens: Rake leaves or shovel snow for seniors.

As we work our way through 2021 and COVID-19, Mr. Rogers’ call to be a neighbor is even more important. You can make our community a better place. With your help, we can enter 2022 a stronger and safer community.

“So let's make the most of this beautiful day

Since we're together, we might as well say

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won't you be my neighbor?”

I hope you say yes.

Paula Trentman serves as vice president and director of grants and programs of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Your community foundation assists individuals, corporations and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community.

For information about how to volunteer to build a better community, call 517-263-4696 or contact paula@lenaweecf.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Lenawee Community Foundation: Like Mr. Rogers, be a good neighbor