Neighbor stories

Celebrating a Year of Great Neighbors

Written by Shannon Toliver

2019 has been a year full of excitement here at Nextdoor! We are incredibly inspired by all of the neighbors who have have turned to Nextdoor to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. Throughout this year, we were able to show our appreciation by awarding a few of the many great neighbors around the world who have made a positive impact in their local communities.

Olga J. & Wayne L. – Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom 

Olga’s husband and Wayne’s father was a producer and film enthusiast who shared his passion of the big screen with the community by converting their garage into a 16-seat cinema. When he passed away a few years ago, Olga and Wayne decided to carry on the tradition by offering weekly screenings and free refreshments for all of the neighborhood to enjoy. Olga promotes the film screenings on Nextdoor to ensure everyone everyone in the neighborhood knows they are welcome to attend. By providing a place for multiple generations to come together to enjoy the magic of movies, Olga and Wayne have become an important pillar in their community.

Erika R. – Denver, CO

Erika is an all around super neighbor known for her local business that sells handmade products by local artists who give a portion of their sales to charity. Additionally, Erika created the HomeSlinger Guide, a free, open-source directory for the community with the goal of encouraging neighbors to intentionally spend their money at the small local businesses that need support. Particularly, Erika wanted to make it easy to discover businesses owned by women, people of color, LGBTQ, and indigenous communities. 

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Björn M. – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Björn is always committed to the neighborhood and his neighbors. With great difficulty, he managed to create a communal courtyard for his building so neighbors could meet one another and organize activities. He is always ready to help his neighbors and takes constant initiative to better his neighborhood. For those who strive to be a great neighbor, Björn shares, “Do it from your heart and do not expect too much from others!”

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Faydene G. – Birmingham, United Kingdom

Originally from Jamaica, Faydene moved to the UK and made Birmingham her home in 1996, instantly embedding herself in the community by working as the local librarian. Faydene spearheads neighborhood clean-ups, offers advice on the benefits system, runs the local food bank, and even provides free music lessons to local children in hopes of bringing the spirit of solidarity back to her community!

Karen R. – Atlanta, GA

Long-term Atlanta resident Karen revived and reformed the Grove Park Neighborhood Organization after recognizing the need for a united community voice. As a response to the lack of healthy food in their area, neighbors began the Grove Park Community Garden to provide access to freshly grown food to anyone who picks at the garden. Karen also participates with a community revitalization nonprofit focused on issues like education, wellness, and affordable local housing.

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Cheryl B. – New South Wales, Australia 

As a recent empty nester entering a new chapter of life, Cheryl turned to Nextdoor for a simple and comfortable way to build new relationships. She shared a post inviting neighbors to share a “cuppa” and a chat and the response was overwhelming – hundreds of comments and thanks later, Cheryl had dozens of neighbors eager to meet at a local park for their first gathering, and the group now meets regularly! Cheryl shares, “I love a chat, but making friends can take a while to see if you share similar character and values. Nextdoor can get the ball rolling with neighbors whether it’s selling a chair, needing a lightbulb changed, or just asking if anyone wants to have a cup of tea or coffee.”

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Do you have a neighbor who went above and beyond in 2019? Let us know in the comments below!


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3 Comments

  • Hi everyone I know it’s a little late but I’m asking for a family in desperate need these are 3 kids ages 6,7,10 two girls and one boy they live in a camper with their father who is single and works to put food on the table he does it all by himself and has no help ! I really am trying to help but don’t have extra money at all please if any one would be willing to give me a hand and donate anything I’m sure these children will be happy and grateful please email me back ! I have PayPal account also cash app for donations or we could meet in person /! I could send pictures of the children ! Please and thank u all I live in Liberty co ga also a single parent struggling with two girls of my own ! I just can’t let these kids go without presents on Christmas especially because I the 6 yo told me she couldn’t wait to make Santa cookies when he brings her presents for being good ;( it broke my heart . I am literally scrambled trying to come up with something all the organisations that I have called say it’s to late to do anything so I don’t know what to do and I’m usually not one to ask for help but these are kids and no kid deserves not having a Christmas ! So thank y’all so much please call me leave a message if I don’t awnser leave a message or text (912)271-7469 or email me @ kelleysbest@gmail.com that’s also my PayPal thank u so so much hope everyone has a good Christmas this group Gave me some hope ?
    I can’t do it alone

  • Hi everyone I know it’s a little late but I am a struggling single mother myself and I NEED YALLS HELP WITH GETTING A FAMILY CHRISTMAS THAT DONT HAVE ANY THING THEY ARE KIDS AGES 6,8,9 please y’all they do not have any Christmas yet and I can’t do it alone if anyone could help out I live in Liberty county ga any help would be awesome and very appreciated I have a PayPal u could donate to at kelleysbest@gmail.com anyone can also email there please can we come together and get these children Christmas !!!! Thank y’all I have hope bc of yal I can send pictures or whatever needed please help me I’m scrambling and freaking out bc I just can’t do it alone and I want these kids to have a Christmas ;(

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