topic Re: Neighbors help in Community Chat

Neighbors help

Patriot3 — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:04:39 GMT

My neighbor has cleaned out my landscape flower beds the last 3 yrs. I am so grateful as I am 86 and have heart failure and low iron that requires infusions.

He cleaned them out yesterday. He said he used to do this for his Mom who passed away a few yrs ago. He likes doing it and keeps his own house immaculate.

I don't know how to pay him back. I know he won't take any money. I thought about sending him a gift card, but...... Maybe I could make some brownies? What do you think??

Re: Neighbors help

wagirl — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:09:02 GMT

@Patriot3 --what a truly wonderful, considerate thing for him to do. I think anything you do will be much appreciated but probably he doesn't feel you need to do anything for him. Just your heartfelt thank you's. You story made my day today!!!

Re: Neighbors help

We rescue cats — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:11:05 GMT

Do you know what he likes and/or eats? I think something homemade is a wonderful gift, especially if he ever mentioned something his mom made for him. I'm sure he would like that.

Re: Neighbors help

beckyb1012 — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:15:24 GMT

I have a neighbor who is on a fixed income and does not drive with very little family. Every holiday I buy a gift card and send it to her anonymously in the mail. Just yesterday I picked up a Door Dash card to put in an Easter card to be mailed next week. You might send him something that way with your name or no name.

Re: Neighbors help

Estellee — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:31:02 GMT

Maybe a gift card for a local store where they shop would be appreciated.

Re: Neighbors help

CelticCrafter — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:43:02 GMT

If it were me, I would send or give him a gift card to the supermarket. You know that will be used.

Re: Neighbors help

Alsace Gal — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:47:40 GMT

@Patriot3 wrote:
My neighbor has cleaned out my landscape flower beds the last 3 yrs. I am so grateful as I am 86 and have heart failure and low iron that requires infusions.

He cleaned them out yesterday. He said he used to do this for his Mom who passed away a few yrs ago. He likes doing it and keeps his own house immaculate.

I don't know how to pay him back. I know he won't take any money. I thought about sending him a gift card, but...... Maybe I could make some brownies? What do you think??

@Patriot3

Your neighbor is a very kind and compassionate man. He helps you expecting nothing in return.

Please make him your brownies, it's personable and something from your heart.

Re: Neighbors help

goldensrbest — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:50:34 GMT

I remember you asking this question before, i would send him a gift certificate,your lucky to have him.

Re: Neighbors help

kaydee50 — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:07:35 GMT

@Patriot3 If you know what kind of food he likes, a gift basket from Harry & David might be an idea. All different price ranges and the food is excellent.

Re: Neighbors help

Ainhisg — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:11:07 GMT

How about a gift card to a home improvement store like Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, etc?

Re: Neighbors help

Bonkers1 — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:14:16 GMT

Baking is good but he might have food restrictions. I think a gift card from the supermarket would be great. I know that I would appreciate one.

Re: Neighbors help

FranandZoe — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:22:43 GMT

I think a grocery store or gas gift card - even just a Visa gift card that can be used anywhere. Brownies are great too. But true about maybe having food restrictions.

My neighbor up the street has a plow on an ATV - he plows all the driveways and sidewalks here. Hubby and I always gave him a gift card every year as he refused money. After about 3 years of us giving him gift cards he returned them all - never used them. He really did not want anything for what he did. He still does this. So you never know about people. But I would still give your neighbor something.

Re: Neighbors help

haddon9 — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:25:12 GMT

@Ainhisg wrote:
How about a gift card to a home improvement store like Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, etc?

He sounds like the handy type and would probably appreciate this. It's hard to say about the homemade brownies. Not everyone can eat sweets or even likes chocolate. (I know hard to believe!)

Re: Neighbors help

lgfan — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:26:19 GMT

I would give him a gift card for gas.

Re: Neighbors help

Sooner — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:32:06 GMT

How wonderful! But in this day and age I wouldn't do food for anyone, especially something you make. You never know what another's wants and even needs or allergies etc. are now.

I would consider giving him a gift card for the grocery store where he can buy his favorite drinks or water after he gets for after your yard done, or if you know his drink preference

Or you could have Walmart deliver a case or two to your house or his. I give the UPS driver a canned water drink every day in the summer and it is much appreciated! I think free delivery starts at a $35 order (get a treat for yourself too!) and is a great thing. Order online, and it comes right to your door--easy easy!

Re: Neighbors help

AuntG — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:37:29 GMT

I assume you have offered him money and he always refuses. Does he maintain his own garden? Maybe a geranium or some other potted plant would be appreciated.

Re: Neighbors help

occasionalrain — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:06:07 GMT

Doing a service for another and the resulting good feeling is diminished when paid. He has declined payment so respect his wishes and don't insult him with a gift card aka money with strings attached.

If he has a garden buy him a plant, if he has a pet get his pet a toy.

Re: Neighbors help

Melzie — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:55:44 GMT

I have a similar situation with a neighbor who always shovels me out in winter. She loves dogs so I try to find a useful dog related item or a gift card for her from Petco, or a local store, or take out restaurant. She always refuses gifts but if I do it only once in a while she seems to be OK with it.

Re: Neighbors help

stevieb — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:09:12 GMT

@Patriot3 In this instance I agree with those suggesting a monetary gift of any kind (gift card, certificate, gift he might or might not appreciate) has the potential to be insulting. It sounds as though his act of kindness is just that and yet I understand it would be nice to repay the kindness in some way. If you're close enough neighbors to know of something he would like or enjoy then by all means go for it. Something home made would be nice, assuming you know he'd like it. Otherwise, something simple for his garden was suggested and I agree, something more personal and that doesn't feel like a 'payment' has been made would be my choice.

Re: Neighbors help

Shop Too Much — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:24:28 GMT

I have done this type of thing for my elderly neighbor many times. I do it because she's a lovely lady and a good neighbor. She has offered many times to pay me, take me to lunch, buy me something, etc. However, I do this because I want to help her and do not want or expect anuything in return. Just a warm thank-you is sufficient. I imagine your neighbor feels the same way. Simply thank him and tell him how lucky you are to have such a wonderful neighbor.