Certainly! Based on your July 16, 2025 Daily Herald content and the needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus (with context, partners, and next steps):
1. Youth Climate Leadership Initiative Rotary Area of Focus: Environment & Youth Development
Context:
The “Youth ready to lead on climate” letter to the editor highlights the passion and anxiety local youth have about the climate crisis, and alludes to recent periods of poor air quality in the community. There is a clear interest among youth in both education around, and action to address, environmental issues—especially around air quality and urban sustainability.
Potential Partners:
- Local High Schools (e.g., Warren Township in Gurnee, Waukegan High School)
- College of Lake County (CLC) Environmental Club
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club)
- Municipal environmental committees
Next Steps: - Convene a roundtable with youth climate leaders, school environmental clubs, and Rotary members to map community needs and ideas for projects. - Design and launch a “Climate Leadership Challenge”: Fundraise to provide microgrants for school or youth-led initiatives that reduce emissions, improve air quality, or support green spaces (e.g., tree planting near schools). - Host annual “Lake County Youth Climate Summit” in partnership with schools and CLC, offering education, project showcases, and small Rotary-sponsored grants for top youth projects. - Seek sponsorship or in-kind donations for event spaces and materials from local businesses with sustainability initiatives, such as Abbott Laboratories or local eco-friendly businesses.
2. Community Safety & Mental Wellness Program Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health
Context:
The editorial calling out the “urgent need for stronger security in public spaces” in the wake of the Sunset Pool incident points to heightened concerns around safety and the mental wellness of both youth and families in open community settings.
Potential Partners: - Local police departments (Gurnee, Waukegan) - Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Services) - School district wellness coordinators - YMCAs and park districts - Local mental health nonprofits, such as NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
- Organize a Community Safety and Wellness Fair, combining family-friendly security education (e.g., personal safety, de-escalation, emergency protocols) with resources on emotional resilience, stress reduction, and access to mental health services.
- Fundraise for scholarship programs to provide free swim/safety lessons for low-income families and mental health first aid workshops for school staff and parents.
- Develop a quarterly “Safe Spaces Café” discussion series at rotating public venues, encouraging open dialogue between local law enforcement, mental health professionals, youth, and families about concerns and solutions for making community spaces welcoming and secure.
- Work with city officials to identify gaps in safety infrastructure in high-use public areas, and advocate or fundraise for physical improvements (better lighting, safe walkways, emergency phones).
Both opportunities tap into urgent, visible local needs, foster community partnerships, and are well-suited for Rotary leadership.
Based on the recent news and community needs from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Support and Expand the “Stuff the Bus” Backpack Program (Education & Youth Empowerment)
Context:
The Stuff the Bus initiative distributed 3,775 backpacks and 300 teacher kits to four school districts last year, ensuring that students from under-resourced families have the supplies they need for a successful school year. As the program continues, there’s an opportunity to expand its reach and impact in Lake County—especially in areas like Waukegan and North Chicago where the need is great.
Potential Partners:
- United Way of Lake County (organizing partner of Stuff the Bus)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan District 60, North Chicago District 187)
- Corporate sponsors (Staples, Walmart, local businesses)
- Other service and church organizations
Next Steps:
- Connect with United Way of Lake County and offer Rotary volunteers for kit packing, promotion, and logistics.
- Organize a supply drive at major community events (such as Scoop Waukegan) and Rotary meetings.
- Launch a fundraising campaign among Rotary members and local businesses to purchase high-need supplies (scientific calculators, quality backpacks, classroom tools).
- Work directly with school districts to identify students most in need and ensure targeted delivery.
- Promote the program through social media and local news to increase contributions and visibility.
2. Environmental Enhancement and Beautification Following Major Events (Environment, Community Development)
Context:
The annual Scoop Waukegan car event attracted 25,000 attendees and 900+ vehicles to the downtown. While positive for economic vitality, such large gatherings typically generate significant waste and stress on public spaces. There’s an opportunity for Rotary to lead post-event cleanup and/or invest in longer-term downtown beautification and green infrastructure (e.g., pollinator gardens, trees, waste/recycling bins), demonstrating environmental leadership and community stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan Department of Public Works
- Waukegan Main Street Association
- Local environmental groups (Lake County Forest Preserves, Sierra Club)
- Schools and youth groups seeking service hours
- Scoop Waukegan organizers
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan city officials and event planners to offer Rotary support for post-event cleanup or environmental enhancement projects.
- Coordinate a “Green Team” of Rotary volunteers and community partners for cleanup after Scoop and other large festivals.
- Secure sponsorship or grants for beautification projects (e.g., “Adopt-A-Block,” planting pollinator patches, installing benches or public art).
- Engage youth in environmental stewardship through school science clubs and scout troops.
- Publicize Rotary’s involvement to recruit new members and partners.
Both initiatives directly address current needs and align with Rotary’s core focus areas, while maximizing local visibility and impact.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Achievement Initiative: Spelling Bee & Literacy Support
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a grueling regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This showcases not only the high level of achievement among local youth but also the importance of literacy, academic support, and enrichment activities in the community.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Education & Literacy, Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools (partner with those involved in the spelling bee, especially Visharad’s school)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County
- Local education nonprofits (such as United Way of Lake County’s Success by 6)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Regional Office of Education to express Rotary’s interest in supporting local academic and literacy initiatives.
- Sponsor and host a “Celebrate Youth Literacy” event around Visharad Sathish’s national participation—invite him as guest speaker, and use the event to award scholarships or book grants to students from participating schools.
- Set up a Rotary program to support spelling bees, reading competitions, and literacy tutoring in local schools, especially for under-resourced students.
- Fundraise to purchase educational supplies (books, learning kits), with a donation ceremony at a school or the library featuring community leaders and Visharad.
- Promote volunteer opportunities for Rotarians to mentor students in spelling, reading, and public speaking.
2. Community Health & Preparedness: Air Quality Awareness and Support
Context:
A recent air quality alert was issued for the greater Chicago area (including Lake County), pointing to ongoing concerns about environmental health and community preparedness in the face of air pollution episodes. Vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, those with asthma) especially need support during such times.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Community Health, The Environment
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- American Lung Association – Illinois Chapter
- Local hospitals and clinics (such as Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- Lake County Forest Preserves and environmental advocacy groups
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Health Department and the American Lung Association to discuss joint air quality education and preparedness workshops.
- Organize and fund a community outreach campaign, including informational sessions at libraries, schools, and senior centers in Gurnee and Waukegan to teach residents how to protect themselves during air quality alerts.
- Fundraise for air purifiers and N95 masks to be donated to local schools, childcare centers, and senior living facilities most affected by poor air quality.
- Promote tree planting or “green schoolyards” projects in partnership with Lake County Forest Preserves to help mitigate air pollution long-term.
- Host an “Asthma Awareness & Air Quality Fair” with local healthcare providers for screenings, education, and distribution of resources.
These projects directly respond to recent/current local events and align closely with Rotary’s areas of impact, positioning the club as a responsive, visible, and valued community partner.
1. Community Health & Safety: Youth Chaperone Partnership and Safe Spaces
Context:
Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has reinstated its chaperone policy for teens 15 and under after safety concerns, reflecting ongoing tension over unsupervised youth in public spaces and recent incidents like the Route 45 crash involving a young adult. The high-profile re-implementation of restrictions on teens signals a need for positive, supervised environments and additional youth engagement and safety efforts.
Potential Partners:
- Six Flags Great America management
- Local law enforcement (Gurnee Police, Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
- School Districts 121 (Warren Township High School) and 56 (Gurnee School District)
- YMCA of Lake County
- Lake County After School Coalition
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Six Flags Great America for a meeting to discuss a Rotary-sponsored “Safe Teen Nights” program at community centers, libraries, or the park itself—with screened volunteers as additional chaperones or hosts.
- Collaborate with school counselors to identify teens in need of mentorship or safe social engagement, and publicize opportunities.
- Seek grant funding through Rotary and local businesses for chaperone training and transportation support.
- Launch a public awareness campaign on youth safety, targeting both parents and teens.
2. Environment & Emergency Preparedness: Lake County Severe Weather and Air Quality Response
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, is experiencing severe storms, heat waves, and air quality alerts. With recurring weather emergencies and increased particulate air pollution, vulnerable populations (seniors, people with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers) are at risk—an urgent communuty health and environmental concern.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee and Waukegan Fire Departments
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (for distributing air filter masks or fans)
- Local environmental groups (Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, Wild Ones – Lake to Prairie Chapter)
- Large local employers for workplace preparedness initiatives
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-led “Clean Air & Cool Spaces” kit drive (N95 masks, portable fans, informational flyers) for distribution at senior centers, food pantries, and libraries.
- Partner with the Lake County Health Department to host educational workshops on severe weather readiness, proper mask usage, and building home emergency kits.
- Explore grant opportunities for installing air filtration units at common gathering places (churches, shelters).
- Coordinate a volunteer emergency response team to assist with post-storm clean-up and check-ins for at-risk community members.
Each project connects to Rotary areas of focus—community health & safety, supporting youth, disease prevention, and environmental protection—while responding directly to current, pressing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
Based on current events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, IL, here are two project recommendations for your Rotary club that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities: Rotary Booth at Farmers Markets Focus Area: Community Health & Disease Prevention
Context:
Farmers markets in Grayslake (July 16), and the Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor (multiple summer dates), draw a cross-section of families and community members. These events offer opportunities to promote public health, especially as local needs persist around health education, nutrition access, and preventive screenings.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market organizers
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina management
- Lake County Health Department
- Local farms/grocers (e.g., Jewel-Osco)
- 4-H and local youth organizations
Next Steps:
1. Contact the organizers to secure a regular Rotary booth (dates can align with market schedules).
2. Partner with local health providers or the Lake County Health Department to offer basic screenings (e.g., blood pressure, glucose checks), nutrition demos, or distribute information on area health resources.
3. Engage Rotary volunteers to provide healthy living literature and organize kids’ activities—like taste tests or “veggie passport” challenges—to promote healthy eating among youth.
4. Consider collecting donations or running a small-scale fundraising activity (e.g., smoothie stand, reusable bag sale) to support local food pantries or Rotary’s international health projects.
2. Youth Literacy & School Readiness: Family Night Events Collaboration Focus Area: Basic Education & Literacy, Supporting Youth
Context:
The Summer Family Series at Robert W. Rolek Community Center in Round Lake (July 24 and July 31), and educational events like Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Grayslake (July 26), demonstrate community interest in youth enrichment opportunities, especially for young children and families in need of affordable engagement and literacy resources.
Potential Partners:
- Robert W. Rolek Community Center
- Round Lake Area Park District
- Kiddie Academy of Grayslake
- Lake County libraries (e.g., Grayslake Area Public Library)
- Local children’s book authors or bookstores
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Rolek Community Center and Kiddie Academy to discuss adding a “Rotary Reads” or “Book Buddies” element to upcoming family events—offering free books, read-aloud sessions, and early literacy kits for families.
2. Partner with local libraries for book donations or to coordinate guest storytellers (including Rotary members or community leaders).
3. Organize a Rotary book drive in advance, asking for community-sourced gently used children’s books.
4. Include a fundraising component at the event (e.g., “adopt-a-book” sponsorships) to sustain future literacy programs or support underfunded local schools.
Both ideas foster visibility for Rotary, meet real community needs, and allow collaboration with local partners already engaging families, youth, and health initiatives.
Based on the recent news and community needs reported for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Community Health & Environment: Air Quality and Heat Safety Outreach
Context:
Recent reports indicate unhealthy air quality in Lake Forest and elsewhere in Lake County, with alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires and high heat indexes reaching 100 degrees. These environmental and health factors pose particular risks to vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local fire departments and emergency management agencies
- Environmental groups such as the Illinois Environmental Council
- Community centers and libraries
- Local media (e.g., Patch, local news stations)
Next Steps:
- Organize an Air Quality and Heat Safety Resource Distribution Day in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, distributing masks, fans, and educational materials about air quality and heat safety in public spaces and senior living facilities.
- Invite local environmental experts or health officials to host educational seminars or webinars about protecting oneself during poor air quality or extreme heat events.
- Apply for mini-grants from the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board or tap into Rotary’s Disaster Response Fund to support outreach costs.
- Coordinate communications through local news outlets and partner agencies to spread awareness.
2. Youth Engagement & Positive Choices: “Rewarding Good” Youth Initiative
Context:
The Lake Forest Police Department is running an initiative this summer to reward children for making positive, safe choices with “positive tickets” and coupons. This program can be amplified to serve more communities and further engage youth in constructive, leadership-oriented activities throughout Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies
- Local youth organizations and schools
- Area businesses willing to sponsor rewards (e.g., movie tickets, ice cream, bookstore vouchers)
- Rotary Interact and Rotaract clubs
Next Steps:
- Expand the “Rewarding Good” initiative beyond Lake Forest by inviting neighboring police departments in Waukegan, Gurnee, and broader Lake County to participate, with Rotary clubs facilitating coordination.
- Approach local businesses to donate prizes or coupons as part of the incentive system, gaining positive publicity in exchange.
- Organize volunteer-led events where young people can earn “positive tickets” through participating in community service, safety workshops, or environmental clean-ups, further ingraining values of leadership and civic responsibility.
- Launch a community awareness campaign highlighting recognized youths, their stories, and the impact of positive choices, supported by social and traditional media.
1. Teen Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Campaign (Community Health & Youth Empowerment)
Context:
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Lake County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit rescued a teen struggling in the water on the Chain O' Lakes. This incident highlights the ongoing risk of accidental drowning, particularly for teens and young people active in the region's many lakes and rivers. With summer recreation in full swing, there is a pressing need to educate and equip local youth and families on water safety.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit
- Gurnee Park District & Rec Programs
- Local high schools (Waukegan HS, Warren Township HS)
- YMCA of Lake County
- Fire departments with rescue units (Gurnee, Waukegan)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning meeting with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and parks districts to identify greatest needs (swim lessons, life jacket distribution, safety workshops).
b. Develop and schedule free or sliding-scale water safety classes for youth and parents, both at public pools and lakes.
c. Organize a fundraiser (such as a “Safe Summer Lake Fest”) with proceeds to fund swimming lesson scholarships and purchase life jackets for kids in need.
d. Promote water safety through local schools and community social media, especially before and during the hottest summer months.
e. Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with event logistics, registration, and water safety demonstrations.
2. DUI Prevention and Victim Assistance Initiative (Community Health & Youth Services)
Context:
During the Fourth of July weekend in Lake County, there were two fatal multi-vehicle crashes—both suspected to involve DUI. One tragic collision in Wadsworth resulted in the death of an adult woman and injuries to a 4-year-old, among others. These events underline the persistent public health risk posed by impaired driving and the challenges faced by crash victims and their families.
Potential Partners:
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Illinois chapter
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Victim Advocacy Unit
- Advocate Condell Medical Center Trauma Services
- Local police departments (Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake County Sheriff)
- Schools/PTAs for youth engagement
Next Steps:
a. Collaborate with MADD and victim advocacy organizations to conduct educational assemblies in schools and community centers about DUI risks, targeting both adults and teens.
b. Support or host a community Candlelight Vigil and fundraising walk/run in honor of local DUI victims, raising money for emergency assistance to families affected by impaired driving.
c. Work with medical centers and police to provide child car seats or emergency financial support to families in crisis after DUI incidents.
d. Secure guest speakers—including survivors or families impacted by DUI—and create a rotating program for area schools and community events.
e. Mobilize Rotary volunteers to plan, staff, and publicize events; provide logistical support and outreach to local businesses for sponsorship.
These initiatives address urgent, locally relevant issues and closely align with Rotary priorities in health, youth, and community safety, leveraging partnership and fundraising for sustainable impact.