Project, Workshop Nominations Sought for 2022 Good Neighbor Day

The Good Neighbor Day Planning Committee is accepting nominations through Aug. 26 for in-person, hybrid or virtual projects and workshops for the 11th annual community service day that brings together local residents and University of Maryland students, staff, faculty and alums.

The university, the city of College Park and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will host this year’s event from 8:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 12.

“It means so much to see the number of volunteers, supporters and champions in College Park and beyond coming together toward a common goal of the public good,” said Gloria Aparicio Blackwell, director of UMD’s Office of Community Engagement.

This year, volunteers will participate in service projects and workshops covering three themes: sustainability, food insecurity and mental health. In addition to planting trees, picking up litter and removing invasive plant species, volunteers will participate in numerous new projects, including installing pollinator gardens in support of the College Park’s new Bee City USA certification and transcribing archival documents at the Riversdale House Museum.

College Park and surrounding communities will also have the opportunity to help fight food insecurity by participating in the Good Neighbor Annual Food Drive. Participants will be encouraged to donate non-perishable food at various drop-off locations before Good Neighbor Day or give monetary donations directly to The College Park Community Food Bank and the UMD Campus Pantry.

Projects must be performed within College Park or the surrounding communities, completed within 3.5 hours, and enhance community space or knowledge. Projects may be submitted by filling out this form.

Volunteer registration for Good Neighbor Day 2022 will begin Sept. 8.