Storm Lake is doubling down on pride this year — turning a week of cleanup and community spirit into a full month of action.
Mayor Meg McKeon says expanding Storm Lake Proud Month gives residents, organizations and volunteers more time to take on projects that keep the community looking its best. The effort began in 2019 under former Mayor Mike Porsch as a weeklong initiative, but McKeon says the city’s needs — and its volunteer energy — have outgrown that format.
The month also builds on Buena Vista University’s annual Buenafication Day, which takes place in April and often kickstarts spring cleanup efforts. McKeon says the partnership with BVU students continues to be a major boost.
But Storm Lake Proud Month isn’t just about big projects — it’s about neighbors helping neighbors. McKeon says that message is central to her administration.
This year, some of the most enthusiastic volunteers are Storm Lake’s youngest residents. First-graders from Storm Lake Elementary School spent last week planting flowers downtown — a hands-on lesson in community pride.
McKeon says those early experiences matter because they show kids that volunteering isn’t just something adults do — it’s something everyone can take part in.
For adults looking to pitch in, the city has posted a list of volunteer projects on its website — stormlake.org — ranging from painting benches and picnic tables to raking beaches and cleaning rain gardens. Groups can also adopt parks or public spaces for ongoing care.
McKeon emphasizes that volunteers don’t need to bring supplies.
The mayor says Storm Lake’s appearance has always been one of its biggest strengths — something that drew her to the community years ago.
Residents or organizations interested in volunteering can email publicservices@stormlake.org or call 712‑732‑8000 for project details.
McKeon says with warmer weather finally arriving, she hopes to see people out across the city — pitching in, checking on neighbors, and showing what it means to be Storm Lake Proud.
