Good Neighbor Day: United Way Honors Fred Rogers on 85th Birthday

For the third year, United Way of Allegheny County will celebrate volunteerism and the life and legacy of Mister Rogers today, March 20, on what would have been his 85th birthday. 

Named Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Day, the United Way has a number of activities planned to raise awareness of the impact volunteers make in the community. The Good Neighbor Day is based on what Mister Rogers taught, that being a good neighbor is important. 

Several events are planned to celebrate the day: 

• United Way has partnered with organizations to create art projects inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The buildings will create a unique United Way Neighborhood. These projects will be on display at Pittsburgh Children’s Museum today and Thursday, March 21. 

• A lunchtime celebration concert at noon in Market Square with Pittsburgh band, Neighbours, four guys rocking a few Mister Rogers classics, with media partners WYEP and WESA. Wear sneakers and bring a sweater (men’s, women’s, girls or boys) to donate to United Way. The collected sweaters will be distributed to several area organizations, including the North Hills Community Outreach, a local non-profit organization that offers a variety of services to low-income individuals and families in the northern Allegheny County area.

• Meet Mr. McFeely and learn about the volunteer opportunities available with United Way.

• From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., United Way will continue the celebration of the life and work of Mister Rogers by honoring the companies and their employee volunteers who make our neighborhoods a special place.  Companies with outstanding volunteer programs to be honored: Alcoa, Inc., BNY Mellon, CCAC, City of Pittsburgh, Eaton Corp., Equitable, Pittsburgh Board of Education, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Rite Aid, Robert Morris University. 

• In addition to recognizing the volunteer programs, United Way will present mini-grants to several partner agencies to assist organizations in bolstering their volunteer efforts and making a greater impact in the community.