Messages Of Love, Tolerance Blanket Naperville After Looting

NAPERVILLE, IL — Downtown Naperville was the site of messages of love and tolerance Wednesday after Monday's looting. Residents pinned handwritten notes boarded-up stores, drew chalk hearts and words of hope on sidewalks, painted cheery images on wood-covered storefronts.

At some stores, markers, paper and tape were available for people wanting to leave messages of support.

Chico's, which was one of more than 30 stores targeted by looters Monday, had hand-written messages covering the wood that boarded up the store's broken windows.

Messages posted above the Naperville Riverwalk read, "lead with love." One message said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Hundreds of volunteers came out early Tuesday to help clean up damage from the looting. Resident Tom Braniff, who was at the cleanup, said, "You can really feel the sense of community.

The loving signs and chalk drawings seemed to support what Mayor Steve Chirico said in a press conference Tuesday. He said, "That's the real Naperville."

More coverage:

Naperville Police Dispel Rumors, Say No Threat To Community

Over 30 Stores Damaged In Naperville Looting; 11 Arrested

Downtown Naperville Damage 'Heartbreaking:' Mayor Chirico