CHARLESTON, IL. – Charleston officials began a storm relief food distribution at noon Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center, offering free food, bottled water, and refreshments to residents affected by severe storms that hit the area on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The distribution is taking place at the Doudna Fine Arts Center, 1860 South Ninth St., on the university campus near the intersection of Ninth Street and Garfield Avenue in Charleston. The city said food and refreshments will be provided at no cost to individuals and families affected by the storm.
The relief effort comes as the City of Charleston, under the direction of Mayor Brandon Combs, declared a local state of emergency in response to what police described as significant storm damage impacting the community.
The National Weather Service is gathering data about the severe weather outbreak and confirming any tornadoes, but it has posted a list of severe weather reports from around the area on Wednesday.
City officials said they are coordinating response and recovery efforts with the Coles County Emergency Management Agency and partner agencies. According to the Charleston Police Department, the storm caused numerous downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris-covered roadways throughout the city, creating hazardous conditions for residents and motorists.
Residents were urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay off roadways whenever possible to allow emergency personnel, utility crews and public works staff to conduct response and recovery operations safely.
For those attending the distribution, the city asked drivers to follow a designated traffic route to maintain safety and orderly traffic flow. Vehicles should travel south on Ninth Street from Lincoln Avenue and enter the east parking lot from Ninth Street. Upon exiting, drivers should proceed onto Hayes Avenue and then back to Ninth Street.
Organizations, businesses, and members of the public who want to help those affected may drop off food items only at the Doudna Fine Arts Center, according to the public notice.
For more information, the city said residents may contact Dennis Malak at (217) 549-3352.
The City of Charleston said it “extends its sincere appreciation to Eastern Illinois University, community organizations, volunteers, and donors for their assistance in supporting residents during these recovery efforts.”
