Certainly! Based on the news summaries and recent discussions concerning Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Safety and Education Initiative: "Safe Wheels for Kids"
Context:
Recent debates regarding youth behavior and safety (notably, the incident with kids on e-bikes discussed by columnist Jim Slusher) underscore rising concerns in Lake County about young people’s wellbeing, responsible recreation, and community safety. Many families lack access to education on safe cycling or the means to acquire proper safety equipment, despite e-bikes and other personal mobility devices becoming increasingly common.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments
- Bike shops and sporting goods retailers (such as Uncle Dan’s, REI Vernon Hills)
- Safety advocacy groups (e.g., Safe Kids Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with local law enforcement and school officials to identify key safety risks and educational needs.
- Develop a program to distribute helmets, safety lights, and reflective gear, combined with interactive workshops on bike/e-bike laws and safe riding habits.
- Plan a fall “Bike Safety Day” event, including a bike rodeo, helmet fittings, and guest speakers.
- Launch a fundraising drive—possibly involving a community bike ride or “virtual miles” challenge—to purchase safety gear for underprivileged youth.
- Collect impact data for future Rotary grant applications.
2. Food Security and Youth Wellbeing: "Lake County Summer Meals Boost"
Context:
Recent commentary by Susan Estrich highlighted the threat of reduced federal support for food assistance programs, which directly impacts Lake County’s vulnerable youth and families. During summer, many children in Waukegan, Gurnee, and neighboring areas lose access to free/reduced school meals, leading to food insecurity.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Waukegan Township and local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Gurnee Community Church Food Pantry)
- Local fast-food or grocery partners (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Aldi)
- Park districts and library branches offering summer programs
Next Steps:
- Contact local food pantries to determine the current gap in summer meal offerings and their highest priority needs.
- Organize a Rotary-funded grocery gift card drive or meal kit distribution for families during July/August.
- Provide volunteers for mobile food distributions and literacy activities at meal sites to further engage with youth.
- Seek matching contributions from local businesses and encourage in-kind donations of kid-friendly, shelf-stable foods.
- Publicize the initiative through Rotary networks, school newsletters, and social media to maximize both outreach and donations.
Both projects directly address timely community needs, foster strong multi-sector partnerships, and reinforce Rotary’s commitment to youth, education, health, and community support in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Based on recent news and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, below are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Environmental Stewardship: Community Education and Action on Recycling
Context:
The July 8th, 2025 article highlights stepped-up efforts in Lake County to improve recycling compliance due to confusion regarding recyclable materials. A lack of knowledge, language barriers, and misinformation hinder residents’ ability to recycle effectively. This moment—amid renewed official attention—offers a prime opportunity for community education and action around environmental sustainability, one of Rotary's areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County public works or recycling departments
- Local schools (Waukegan and Gurnee school districts)
- Environmental groups like SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois)
- Community centers and libraries
- Bilingual volunteers or translation services to overcome language barriers
Next Steps:
- Organize “Recycling Right” community workshops and school presentations in both English and Spanish, in partnership with local environmental agencies.
- Launch a service day for hands-on recycling drives, clean-ups, and material demonstrations.
- Design and distribute easy-to-understand recycling guides and infographics.
- Fundraise for and install multi-lingual recycling signage in public spaces.
- Evaluate partnership opportunities with companies or grants for sustainability initiatives.
2. Youth Empowerment and Community Safety: Teen Leadership & Awareness Summit
Context:
The recent incident of street-racing and gun violence in Gurnee (Six Flags parking lot shooting, July 8, 2025) and Round Lake Beach underscores growing concerns about youth risk factors, violence, and public safety. Rotary’s focus on supporting youth and peace-building can be crucial here—by offering positive alternatives and education to local teenagers.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments (community policing and youth programs)
- Local high schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Mental health agencies, violence prevention groups, and local government officials
- Relevant nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center for multicultural engagement)
- Local businesses as sponsors for events or scholarships
Next Steps:
- Organize a Teen Leadership & Awareness Summit focused on safe driving, conflict resolution, and community engagement, hosted at a local school or community center.
- Include workshops on topics such as anti-violence, mental health, responsible decision-making, and civic leadership.
- Feature peer speakers, law enforcement liaisons, and mentors from diverse backgrounds.
- Fundraise for scholarships or “mini-grants” that empower teens to design their own safety- or wellness-focused projects.
- Continue the conversation via a youth-advisory council and recurring follow-up events.
These two initiatives address immediate community needs—environmental awareness and youth safety/empowerment—while building positive partnerships and aligning with Rotary’s global mission.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Achievement Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish’s victory in the regional spelling bee—and his advancement to the Scripps National Spelling Bee—highlights the area’s commitment to youth education, literacy, and academic enrichment. With participation from 73 local schools and hundreds of students, there’s evident enthusiasm for literacy and language arts. However, national and local data continue to show gaps in reading proficiency and access to academic enrichment activities, especially for underserved students.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (the host of the regional bee)
- Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities)
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Local spelling bee alumni and educators
- Corporate sponsors with a focus on youth development (e.g., Abbott, Baxter, local banks)
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Regional Office of Education and library representatives to present the idea of a Rotary-sponsored literacy and spelling program/team up for next year’s spelling bee season.
- Organize Rotary-led after-school or summer “Word Masters” workshops for elementary and middle school students to strengthen vocabulary, reading, and confidence.
- Provide scholarships or stipends to enable more underrepresented students to participate in academic competitions.
- Host an annual “Celebrating Literacy Champions” community event to spotlight achievements, inspire youth, and raise funds for literacy programming and materials.
2. Lake Michigan Shoreline and Coal Ash Pond Environmental Restoration
Context:
Recent news in Lake County reflects ongoing environmental challenges, such as the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s decision not to stay NRG Energy’s mandate to remove coal ash ponds from the Waukegan lakefront. These legacy industrial sites threaten the Lake Michigan shoreline—a vital source of drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitat for area residents.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan and Lake County Environmental Action groups
- Local schools’ science/environmental clubs (youth engagement)
- Clean Power Lake County (environmental advocacy group)
- NRG Energy (as a stakeholder/possible sponsor for remediation efforts)
- Illinois Pollution Control Board
- Alliance for the Great Lakes
Next Steps:
- Organize a community education forum with environmental experts to explain the risks, clean-up process, and opportunities for community involvement.
- Host a Rotary Day of Service at the Lake Michigan shoreline—engaging students and community volunteers for shoreline cleanups, native plant restoration, and environmental monitoring.
- Apply for a Rotary District or Global Grant to fund shoreline restoration, pollution education, and water monitoring tools for schools.
- Co-sponsor a youth poster or video contest focused on protecting Lake Michigan’s future, showcasing winners at a public event and in local media to broaden awareness and encourage stewardship.
1. Community Health Initiative: Food Security Support for Local Pantries
Context:
Recent news highlights that Chicago-area food pantries—including those in and around Grayslake, Waukegan, and Lake County—have seen a notable spike in visits over the past year. This trend underscores ongoing food insecurity, particularly as economic pressures persist. Addressing hunger aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on community health and disease prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry in Grayslake)
- Faith-based organizations and schools
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess priority needs (e.g., non-perishable foods, fresh produce, personal care kits).
- Organize a food and essentials drive, involving Rotarians, local businesses, and community volunteers. Consider “pop-up pantry” events at schools or community centers.
- Explore “Buddy Bags” or backpack programs with schools, providing weekend meals for children from low-income households.
- Publicize the effort through Patch and social media to maximize impact and volunteer participation.
2. Youth Empowerment and Safety Project: Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness
Context:
A major human trafficking sting in Lake County led to the arrest of 27 individuals, highlighting the region’s vulnerability and the need for proactive community education and resources for youth and families. Rotary places emphasis on protecting children and supporting peacebuilding.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter)
- Area school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60)
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office and ZCenter to develop and host educational workshops or forums for parents, youth, and educators focusing on trafficking awareness, online safety, and available resources.
- Seek to provide support kits for at-risk youth—funded by a targeted Rotary fundraiser—including resource guides, helpline info, and wellness materials.
- Collaborate with schools to integrate age-appropriate trafficking prevention education.
- Set up a “Youth Empowerment and Safety Week,” combining assemblies, panel discussions, and resource fairs, amplifying Rotary’s commitment to child protection and education.
1. Community Health and Youth Wellness: Rotary “Unplug Illinois Day” Wellness Fair
Context:
The Unplug Illinois Day is scheduled for July 12 at Hero Park in Round Lake Beach. This initiative encourages families to get outside, disconnect from screens, and engage in healthy, community-based activities. Addressing health and wellness, physical inactivity, and social isolation—especially among youth and families—remains a pressing community need in Lake County. This aligns closely with Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (hosts, access to families/youth)
- Local healthcare providers and clinics (free screenings or wellness info)
- Public health departments (Lake County Health Department)
- Local fitness businesses/youth sports leagues
- Other service organizations (Boys & Girls Club, YMCA)
- School districts (promotion to families)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Round Lake Area Park District staff to co-sponsor or add Rotary-led activities: health screenings, fitness demos, or a “healthy habits” passport for children.
- Recruit local health professionals for free health screenings, mental health resource sharing, or wellness talks.
- Set up a Rotary booth to educate about community resources, sign up volunteers, and raise funds for youth health programs.
- Organize family-friendly games and challenges emphasizing movement and teamwork.
- Promote the event through social media, school newsletters, and local press.
2. Literacy and Education: Rotary Youth Literacy and Book Drive at the Grayslake Area Public Library
Context:
On July 12, the Grayslake Area Public Library is hosting a $5 Book Sale, offering books, CDs, and DVDs to the community. Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, faces challenges in youth literacy rates, and many families lack access to age-appropriate books at home, especially during school breaks. This is a strong fit with Rotary’s support for education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (provide venue and publicity)
- Waukegan Public Library, Gurnee Library (expand distribution)
- Local schools and teachers (identify children in need)
- Literacy non-profits (Bernie’s Book Bank, United Way of Lake County)
- Bookstores or publishers (donate new/used books)
Next Steps:
- Partner with the Grayslake Area Public Library to expand the July 12 event into a Rotary-sponsored youth literacy day, including reading hours, literacy games, and info on local programs.
- Launch a book drive prior to the sale to collect new or gently used children’s and young adult books; offer additional donation drop boxes at public events leading up to July 12.
- Coordinate volunteers to sort books and distribute bundles to schools, youth organizations, and food pantries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake.
- Organize a “Read with a Rotarian” storytime session during the event to build relationships with families and encourage ongoing literacy engagement.
- Seek sponsorships or donations to support the purchase of high-need books and materials for underserved youth.
These two projects directly address community needs and align with Rotary’s core causes, while providing opportunities to engage volunteers, partner with local organizations, and increase Rotary’s visibility and impact in Lake County.
1. Lake County Youth Wellness and Safety Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights a community interest in promoting positive behavior and safety among youth, as evidenced by the Lake Forest Police Department’s “positive tickets” program. Additionally, there are continued public safety concerns at Lake Michigan beaches, where hazardous waves have been forecast, prompting warnings about deadly swim conditions. These issues underscore an opportunity to expand youth-oriented community health and safety education—aligning with Rotary’s focus on health, youth, and community safety.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Police Department
- Lake County Health Department
- Local YMCA branches
- School districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest
- Local lifeguard associations or water safety organizations (e.g., American Red Cross)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a meeting with the Lake Forest Police Department and Lake County Health Department to discuss collaboration on a youth wellness campaign.
b. Develop a grant application or seek sponsorships for educational materials, water safety gear, and incentives for safe behavior (similar to the “positive tickets” program).
c. Organize joint workshops at area schools and community centers focusing on summer safety, water awareness, healthy choices, and alcohol/drug prevention.
d. Launch a social media and event campaign culminating with the Lake Forest Day in August, using this high-attendance event for outreach and resource distribution.
2. Addressing Hunger and Mental Health Needs through Community Fundraiser
Context:
Vernon Township’s Community Mental Health Board recently distributed $1 million in grants to 23 local nonprofits, signaling ongoing needs in mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. The “Help Feed the Need” Golf Outing by Hunger Resource Network further highlights local concerns around food insecurity. Food security is deeply intertwined with mental and physical well-being, suggesting a Rotary-led event that brings these threads together for greater impact.
Potential Partners:
- Hunger Resource Network
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Behavioral health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- Chevy Chase Country Club (host site for recent fundraising events)
Next Steps:
a. Connect with the Hunger Resource Network and Mental Health Board to coordinate a collaborative fundraising event, such as a charity walk, dinner, or golf outing, with the potential to rotate venues throughout Lake County.
b. Organize a service day where Rotarians help distribute food, provide on-site health screenings or mental health resources, and raise awareness.
c. Identify local businesses willing to sponsor or match donations (e.g., Waukegan Tire, which is featured as a local business supporter).
d. Publicize the event broadly through Patch, social media, and community organizations. Target proceeds to both food security initiatives and expanded access to community-based mental health services.
1. Community Health and Safety: “Safe Summer Communities” Education & Resources Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights a concerning trend of DUI-related collisions in Lake County, including a tragic incident over the Fourth of July weekend in Wadsworth that left one dead and four people, including a child, injured, as well as a separate fatal DUI crash. In addition, there was a recent arrest for drunk boating at Nippersink Lake. As summer activities increase—especially near attractions such as Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, local lakes, and public festivities—the risk of impaired driving and related tragedies rises.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Illinois chapter
- Local schools and youth groups (e.g., Gurnee Youth Center)
- Local hospitals (e.g., Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- Municipalities (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, Wadsworth)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with representatives from Rotary, law enforcement, and public health.
- Develop an outreach program for awareness campaigns at community events, fairs, and high-traffic areas (e.g., Hawthorn Mall, Six Flags).
- Provide educational sessions in schools and distribute safety materials for youth and parents.
- Organize a fundraiser (e.g., Family Safety Day or 5K “Safe Summer Run”) to support crash victims, fund ride-share vouchers, or purchase breathalyzer/ignition lock devices for those in recovery.
- Collaborate with local media and social platforms for broad outreach during peak summer months.
2. Youth Empowerment and Education: “Peace and Safe Spaces” Initiative near Six Flags and Community Parks
Context:
A recent non-injury shooting incident in the Six Flags Great America parking lot in Gurnee, along with ongoing issues related to youth violence and child endangerment in the region (as highlighted by a local case of child endangerment involving an assault on a police officer), signals a need for positive youth engagement and community safety programs. The area surrounding Waukegan and Gurnee features many families and young people seeking safe, supportive environments.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local faith communities and youth organizations
- YMCA of Lake County
- Six Flags Great America (as sponsor/host for special events)
- Local law enforcement’s community outreach units
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with park districts and Six Flags to host “Peace & Play Days”—events focused on conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and youth leadership.
- Launch after-school or summer weekend programs with mentorship, sports, and arts activities tied to safety education.
- Seek sponsorships from major local attractions and area businesses to fund programming, equipment, and refreshments.
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraising gala or community picnic to support ongoing youth outreach and mental health services.
- Evaluate impact through surveys with youth participants and feedback from families, adjusting programming as needed.