When we consistently come together to help our neighbors, it creates a strong, devoted community. Chapter 20025 enjoys bringing people together in their beloved community – the Village of Viola, IL.
On their website, the Village of Viola describes their town as “a charming village with a delightful blend of small-town warmth and modern accessibility.” Robin Redpath agrees with that statement. She has called the quaint town of Viola home all her life.
To expand their impact, Robin and her friends began Royal Neighbors Chapter 20025 in 2008. Robin has served as President of the chapter since the beginning. She also serves as a Village of Viola board member, giving her chapter direct knowledge of urgent needs in the community.
“We love our community,” said Robin. “Our goal is to make everyone in the community feel like a member of a big family.”
Protecting the community
Chapter 20025 and the Viola Community Club hosted a National Night Out Against Crime in 2023. Signage from the event greeted guests with the mission of the national night out, “A good neighbor is one of the most effective crime prevention tools ever invented.”
Attendees received a free meal and participated in activities like face painting, a slip-and-slide, a bounce house, and free blood pressure checks for the adults. To support the community further, attendees brought donations for the local food pantry. “Chapters 20032 and 20063 also helped with the event,” shared Robin. “It was a great evening socializing with our neighbors.”
Building strong relationships
Each Royal Neighbors chapter is unique in how they serve their community. Many chapters choose to work together on projects when they have a shared interest or need extra help from friends.
Chapters 20025, 20032, and 20063 enjoy serving together to provide the St. Joseph’s evening meal in Rock Island, IL. They decided to try something different at the last meal they served. “Instead of preparing the food, we ordered homemade enchiladas from a woman in our community who could not work due to some health issues,” said Robin. “It allowed us to extend the impact of our volunteerism, and it gave her the funds she needed to purchase Christmas gifts for her family.”
Giving back to the community
Chapter 20025 believes in supporting their community and everyone in it. “We want all our community members to know they are valuable,” said Robin. “We are much stronger when everyone is working together to help build a better community.”
The chapter found success in partnering with established events and organizations to support and engage more community members. The Viola Christmas in the Village event is a wonderful partnership with the Viola Community Club and many local organizations.
Chapter 20025 hosts an annual cookie sale at the event and donates the proceeds to a different nonprofit every year. “With support from Royal Neighbors, we can help make the event even better,” said Robin.
The chapter also helps execute community events like the Viola Sip and Shop, Avenue of Flags for the 4th of July, Viola Cemetery clean-up, and funeral luncheons.
The chapter meets monthly to address needs in the community and determine which projects they would like to support. “We have passionate volunteers who are always willing to help others in need,” said Robin. “Royal Neighbors gives us the freedom to choose projects that mean the most to us and support the community we love.”
