PERRYVILLE – Residents of Perry County are invited to take part in events and activities designed to strengthen connections with their neighbors during the fourth annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week, September 28 to October 4, 2025.
The celebration is organized and supported by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week was established by state law in 2022 and signed by Governor Mike Parson on July 1. The week was nationally recognized in 2023 by Neighborhoods USA as the “Neighborhood Program of the Year for the United States.”
Locally, the Perry County Extension Council is planning a food and personal hygiene drive with donations being given to local food pantries. Protein items such as canned tuna, chicken, peanut butter, soups and chili will be in demand this fall but all canned items will be taken. Volunteers are also seeing a need for hygiene products such as soap and shampoo.
“We want to encourage everyone to get involved,” said Stephanie Schindler, Extension Engagement Specialist with University of Missouri Extension. The Perry County Extension Center will be collecting donations at their office located at 321 N Main Street, Suite 1 in Perryville (Perry County Administration Building) during the week of September 28-October 4 during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If you are unable to bring your donations to the Extension Office, we will also be set up at Roziers Food Centre on Friday, October 4 from 3:00-6:00 pm to take your donations. Cash donations will also be accepted.
“Missouri Good Neighbor Week reminds us that small gestures can have a big impact,” said Jennifer Prophete, Director of The Hopeful Neighborhood Project.