Katie Hicks celebrates a year of good neighbors
Recent Good Neighbor of the Month honoree, Dan Elwell, was recognized for his tireless volunteer hours at local school boards, Bigfork fire department, his church, and through coaching t-ball, baseball and wrestling. (Courtesy/Katie Hicks State Farm)
National Good Neighbor Day, Sept. 28, has its roots in Lakeside. One Bigfork business has worked to grow that tradition, and this September celebrated one year of promoting positivity.
“It’s just our slogan, ‘Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,’” Katie Hicks of Katie Hicks State Farm said. It inspired her to recognize and support people doing good for their community, starting last September.
National Good Neighbor Day has similar beginnings. Becky Mattson of Lakeside encouraged her community to share simple acts of kindness, such as sharing homemade treats and organizing community events. She hoped to recognize acts of kindness and support. In 1978, the U.S. senate established National Good Neighbor Day.
At Katie Hicks State Farm, the community is invited to submit their friends and neighbors for a monthly drawing, naming the Good Neighbor of the Month. Winners get a gift card to a local restaurant and recognition on the company’s social media platform.
"In a time when negative news can dominate, it’s so important to spotlight the good happening around us," Hicks said. "Our aim is to celebrate those individuals who are a positive force in our community."