COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa. (KMTV) — Rob and Robyn O’Doniel open their home--and their kitchen--to just about anybody.
Out of 7,000 applications, the couple won the Good Neighbor contest, started by the app Nextdoor.
Nextdoor says they were blown away by the O’Doniel’s story.
"They have taken in so many children, created such a wonderful home and such a safe space for their neighborhood to come play... and they're all around great neighbors,” said Shannon Toliver.
The couple adopted 18 children. Yes, you read that number right.
"We don't do it for the recognition--we don't need people to know that we have a lot of children, we don't need people to know that we take these kids into our home,” said Robyn. “What we do need people to know is that more families need to open up their homes for some of these kids and let them in because they're great kids."
Not only did they expand their family--neighbors tell us they've always gone above and beyond for others.
"This is really exciting to see everyone together. The O'doniels don't know a stranger... anybody that's just walking by, friends or family--you're welcome to break bread, have food, have a beverage.” said Bob Franklin.
So Saturday, with family and friends, the O'doniels celebrated the recognition with food, games and entertainment for the kids… and of course, football.
"I would never take back one day of what we were able to do... It's for the kids. The kids deserve it,” said Robyn.
The O'doniels say they hope their story inspires others to adopt and to always be a good neighbor.
"It's just be a good neighbor. Just say hi how are you, or hello how's your day going--or wave--yeah, just a wave," said Rob.
