On tornado anniversary, Charles City residents encouraged to participate in ‘Day of Service’ for their community

To The Press

On May 15, 1968, the businesses and residents of Charles City were forced to clean up and come to the aid of their community following a devastating tornado.

On May 15, 2025, they have an opportunity to do it again, but this time because they want to, not because they have to after a disaster.

A communitywide day of service is being organized by the Main Street Charles City program to improve the look of the downtown area and the entire town. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community, as well as to help out neighbors in need.

“Charles City is our home, a place we should be proud of, and this is a chance for everyone to do something – anything of their choice – to help make it a better place for all of us,” said Main Street Charles City Board Chair Krista Noah.

An organized cleanup of the downtown will take place between 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, with people encouraged to bring a broom or leaf blower and meet in Central Park by the corner of North Main and Blunt Street.

Participants will focus on cleaning the sand and winter debris from the sidewalks, driveways and curbs along North Main Street, the bridge and the surrounding downtown area. A sweep of Central Park will also take place, while designated Adopt-A-Lot volunteer groups are being asked to clean their assigned downtown parking lots that day.

Businesses are being asked to pitch in by sweeping out and cleaning up their storefronts, front and rear entryways, and cleaning their windows. This includes upper story windows, which often get overlooked but are noticeable to passersby and visitors to town.

“It’s easy to be so busy and involved inside, that we forget what the outside of our businesses and buildings look like and the impression they are making on people going by – or potential customers they are trying to attract,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks.

“People do notice when a building, business or community looks inviting, or when it doesn’t,” he said. “First impressions are often lasting impressions.”

The Charles City Leadership Matters! class through the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce has committed to helping out as a group that afternoon, as has the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Group.

All service clubs and organizations are also being invited to participate in some fashion, in addition to businesses and the general public.

“How wonderful and impactful would it be for someone driving through Charles City that day to see all of these people out doing something for their community?” remarked Noah.

“Think about how inspiring that would be for our children and others,” she said. “We’re not asking that you do a lot, just something in service to others.”

A list of possible Day of Service activities suggested by Main Street Charles City includes:

• Cleanup your storefront, front and rear entrances.
• Wash your business windows – all floors.
• Wash your neighbor’s windows (with permission) if they are unable.
• Cleanup along the community recreational trail.
• Park cleanup – any and all parks in town.
• Parking lot cleanup (Adopt-A-Lot).
• Riverbank cleanup.
• Help clean up a neighbor’s yard if they can’t (with permission).
• Take a neighbor to the store or run errands if they need assistance.
• Clean up around the bushes along Gilbert Street.
• Clean up around your family cemetery sites.
• Help wash barrels, banners and wagons for Party in the Park season prep at 5 p.m.
• Group cleanup of downtown sidewalks, driveways and Central Park between 4:30-6 p.m.

“While the organized downtown cleanup will begin at 4:30 p.m., people can do something any time that day, or during the week for that matter,” said Noah. “All that really matters is that we each try to do something.”

Volunteers are being encouraged to post what they do that day on their personal social media platforms, or share it on the Main Street Charles City Facebook page at facebook.com/MSCCIA.

The Charles Theatre will be offering a free bag of movie theater popcorn at its walk-up service window between 4 and 6 p.m. on May 15 as a thank-you to anyone who volunteers that day.

For more information about the Day of Service, or Main Street Charles City, call 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.

Main Street Charles City is a non-profit, volunteer-driven and supported organization committed to preserving, enhancing and beautifying the downtown district.