Based on the articles and current news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus and address community needs:
1. Community Nutrition & Healthy Eating Initiative
Context:
Nutrition and healthy eating are recurring topics, highlighted by coverage such as “Want a healthier frozen pizza? Here’s what to look for.” With the increased focus on healthy choices, and given the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in Lake County (including Waukegan and Gurnee), there’s a clear need for both education and greater access to healthful foods.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (operates in Lake County and frequently collaborates on hunger-related initiatives)
- Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Area grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Nutritionists or chefs from the community
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with food pantry leads and the Lake County Health Department to assess resource gaps and program ideas.
- Develop fundraising events such as healthy cooking demonstrations or “community cook-off” challenges featuring local chefs—with proceeds supporting food pantry procurement of fresh produce.
- Launch nutrition education workshops—possibly in tandem with school wellness programs—featuring hands-on activities for children and parents on preparing affordable, healthy meals.
- Secure small grants and local business sponsorships to underwrite costs for groceries, food prep equipment, and educational materials.
2. Youth Leadership & Environmental Education Scholarships
Context:
The Daily Herald editorial highlighted new educational opportunities through leadership and conservation programs like the King Conservation Leadership Academy at Brookfield Zoo. Locally, there is a lack of accessible STEM and environmental leadership programs for at-risk youth, particularly in Waukegan and Lake County, where summer enrichment gaps and limited outdoor engagement are well-documented.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District (for local environmental and youth engagement)
- Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s King Conservation Leadership Academy (as an outreach partner)
- Lake County Forest Preserves (existing programs in ecological education)
- Waukegan to College (local nonprofit focused on expanding educational access)
Next Steps:
- Start by holding an information-sharing session with the Brookfield Zoo’s education department and Lake County Forest Preserves to explore partnership models.
- Organize a fundraising campaign to offer scholarships for local middle and high schoolers to participate in the King Conservation Leadership Academy, nature camps, or STEM/environmental workshops.
- Recruit volunteers from the Rotary Club and local environmental organizations to chaperone and mentor student participants.
- Develop relationships with local schools for outreach and student nominations, emphasizing underrepresented groups and Title I schools.
Both projects support Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention & health, and education & environment, and directly address current topics and community needs in Lake County.
1. Lake County “Orphaned” Lakes Clean-Up and Restoration Project
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment
Context:
Recent reporting (“Group trying to take care of Lake County’s ‘orphaned’ lakes; ‘Nobody is responsible for cleaning up these lakes’”) highlights a growing local problem: many smaller lakes in Lake County have no clear party responsible for their cleanup and ecological stewardship. The group Lake Lovers, led by Paul Spiewak, is seeking support to maintain and restore these lakes, which are vital for recreation, wildlife, and local water quality.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Lovers (Paul Spiewak, tech team leader)
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local municipalities (Gurnee, Waukegan)
- Schools/Scouts (for volunteer engagement)
- Environmental services companies (for waste removal or restoration consulting)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Lake Lovers to coordinate a bi-annual or quarterly clean-up event, recruiting Rotary members, youth volunteers, and community partners.
- Apply for matching Rotary District or Environmental grants to fund supplies (gloves, bags, rental of watercraft for removal, etc.).
- Publicize the events to the community, emphasizing educational aspects on local watersheds and environmental impact.
- Explore longer-term stewardship (e.g., adopting a specific “orphaned” lake for ongoing monitoring, invasive species control, and youth-focused environmental education days).
2. Youth Resource and Wellness Fair in Waukegan
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health/Education/Youth
Context:
Hundreds recently attended a Waukegan resource fair focused on connecting residents to available social services (“Hundreds attend Waukegan resource fair; ‘We want people to know what we can do for them’”). There is strong community interest and need—especially among youth and immigrant families—for support in health, education, and social integration, highlighted further by stories like “Children get deportation letters” and the opening of Waukegan’s centralized Education Service Center.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools and Education Service Center
- Local health departments (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
- Social service agencies (Northern Illinois Food Bank, YMCA, etc.)
- Immigration advocacy or legal aid groups
- Multi-cultural youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Organize or co-sponsor a larger Youth Resource & Wellness Fair timed with school enrollment or flu season, focusing on access to preventive healthcare (vaccines, checkups), mental health resources, tutoring/mentorship, and immigration legal clinics.
- Seek small grants or host a Rotary fundraiser (e.g., “fun run,” benefit dinner) to provide transportation to/from the event, print multilingual materials, and offer wellness kits (hygiene, masks, healthy snacks).
- Involve Interact and Rotaract clubs in planning and hosting activities for kids/teens, such as workshops on coping with stress or career exploration.
- Evaluate post-event needs to consider regular drop-in resource days or ongoing Rotary mentorship for newcomers and at-risk youth.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative: “Rotary Reads and Succeeds”
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting Education, Youth Development
Context:
Lake County’s recent spelling bee showcased a high level of academic talent and enthusiasm among local students, such as 12-year-old Visharad Sathish heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Organizers like the Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE) and teachers such as Ashley Whitaker of John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan are deeply engaged in raising academic achievement. However, spelling bees and similar academic opportunities can have barriers to access for underrepresented students due to costs (study materials, transportation, coaching, etc.), and there is a need for greater support of educational enrichment across the district.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School, Matthews Middle School, Lake Forest Country Day School)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Local libraries and bookstores
Next Steps:
- Organize Rotary-sponsored literacy workshops or “Bee Ready” events at local schools, providing study resources and coaching for spelling bees, reading challenges, and academic competitions.
- Offer grants, scholarships, or stipends covering entry fees, transportation, or specialized coaching for students entering academic competitions, particularly focusing on low-income families.
- Host a community celebration or fundraising dinner recognizing participants like Visharad Sathish, enabling mentorship connections between current academic stars and aspiring younger students.
- Coordinate book drives and partner with local libraries to expand access to dictionaries and other study materials.
2. Family Resource and Student Wellness Fair
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Education
Context:
Hundreds recently attended a Waukegan resource fair, demonstrating high demand for centralized information and services supporting families and students—especially as Waukegan schools move toward “one-stop shopping” for new-student orientation. Community events like these highlight ongoing needs for accessible health, education, and social service resources for youth and families, including mental wellness, nutrition, and early academic engagement.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan School District’s Family Resource Center
- Lake County Health Department
- Nonprofit youth service providers (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, local food pantries)
- Local healthcare providers and dentists
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with school district leaders to enhance future resource fairs, offering Rotary-volunteer-run booths focused on student wellness, literacy, and basic needs (vision/dental checkups, mental health screenings, backpacks/school supplies).
- Fundraise to provide free health screenings or vouchers for uninsured students during back-to-school events, working with local clinics and the health department.
- Create and promote a Rotary mini-grant for family literacy or wellness kits to be distributed at these fairs—containing books, nutrition guides, and contact info for local support services.
- Evaluate needs through post-event surveys and strengthen partnerships with participating organizations for year-round service projects.
These opportunities will amplify Rotary’s impact in education and health, leveraging local momentum and addressing real, timely community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Extreme Heat Relief and Vulnerable Resident Support Initiative
Context:
With an extreme heat watch issued across Lake County and heat indices expected up to 115°F, the region faces urgent community health and safety challenges, especially for seniors, low-income families, and those without reliable air conditioning. Extreme weather disproportionately affects these vulnerable groups, increasing health risks and mortality, as reported by recent news in the area.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local food pantries (noted due to increased use and existing community trust)
- Salvation Army Waukegan
- Township senior centers (Gurnee, Waukegan)
- Faith-based outreach groups (e.g., local churches, mosques, synagogues)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with the local health department and township officials to assess critical needs (e.g., cooling centers, fans, water distribution).
- Launch a Rotary-coordinated fundraising campaign to purchase fans, air conditioners, bottled water, and transportation vouchers for cooling center access.
- Recruit club volunteers to staff and promote area cooling centers and lead wellness checks (phone or in-person) for isolated seniors.
- Coordinate with pantries to include heat safety flyers, water bottles, and information on cooling centers in food distributions.
- Measure and report impact for potential ongoing summer relief efforts.
2. Youth Empowerment and Education: Preventing Substance Abuse & Human Trafficking
Context:
Recent reports detail a human trafficking sting in Lake County (27 arrested last week) and a Gurnee man pleading guilty in a Grayslake overdose case. Together, these incidents signal urgent needs for preventative education and youth empowerment around substance use, personal safety, and trafficking risks.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office
- A Safe Place (Lake County domestic violence and trafficking prevention nonprofit)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, Grayslake)
- Youth-serving organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Initiate a partnership conversation with A Safe Place and the Regional Office of Education to coordinate age-appropriate in-school or after-school workshops about substance use prevention and recognizing trafficking/red flag behaviors.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant or launch a club fundraiser to sponsor outreach materials, guest speakers (including survivor advocates), and parent education nights.
- Organize training for Rotary members on being trusted adults/mentors and reporting mechanisms so they can volunteer with local youth programs.
- Publicize the program in collaboration with law enforcement and school communication channels, encouraging widespread community vigilance and support.
- Explore support for existing task forces or campaigns related to youth safety and wellness for greater impact.
1. Back to School Supply Drive and Literacy Event
Context:
Given the upcoming "Back to School Bash" on August 1 at the Round Lake Area Park District and family-centered events like "Storytime LIVE" at Kiddie Academy of Grayslake (July 26), there is clear emphasis on youth engagement, early learning, and education in the region. Many children in Waukegan and some parts of Lake County, including Round Lake, face economic challenges that can hamper their access to basic school supplies and books.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Education and supporting youth
Potential Partners: - Kiddie Academy of Grayslake (contact: event organizers from Storytime LIVE) - Round Lake Area Park District (for Back to School Bash collaboration) - Local libraries (e.g., Grayslake Area Public Library) - Local businesses (e.g., Jewel-Osco) - School districts (e.g., Round Lake School District and Waukegan Public Schools) - Northern Illinois Food Bank (for family outreach)
Next Steps: - Connect with event organizers for Storytime LIVE and Back to School Bash to discuss co-hosting a supply and book drive booth at their events. - Solicit donations (backpacks, school supplies, age-appropriate books) from local businesses, Rotary members, and community residents. - Recruit Rotary volunteers to distribute supplies and read to children during event story hours. - Coordinate with local school social workers or parent resource centers to identify students with the greatest need and distribute leftover supplies directly to those schools after the event. - Promote the drive on Patch and through local social media to maximize community involvement.
2. Community Wellness and Environmental Awareness at the Waukegan Waterfront Markets
Context:
The recurring Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina (July 25, August 22, September 26) brings together hundreds of community members. With Gurnee and Waukegan both highlighting issues of food security, healthy living, and environmental sustainability, this is an ideal platform for Rotary outreach.
Rotary Area of Focus:
Community health; supporting the environment
Potential Partners: - City of Waukegan (market organizers) - Gurnee Park District or Gurnee Rotary Club - Lake County Health Department (for health screenings, wellness info) - SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) for recycling education - Local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farmers and environmental groups
Next Steps: - Arrange for a Rotary booth at the Waukegan Waterfront Market dates to offer family wellness screenings (e.g., blood pressure, glucose) in partnership with the Lake County Health Department or local clinics. - Provide educational materials on nutrition, exercise, and local environmental initiatives such as recycling, safe disposal, and pollinator gardens. - Organize a produce match program: for every pound of produce sold/donated by local farmers, Rotary could match with a donation to local food pantries. - Plan “mini cleanups” of the marina and surrounding parks in conjunction with the market to engage shoppers and local youth in environmental stewardship. - Publicize the programming through the Patch calendar, municipal social media pages, and market newsletters.
These initiatives address immediate, visible needs and are highly collaborative, leveraging existing events and community infrastructure for maximum impact.
1. Community Health & Resilience: “Beat the Heat: Hydration and Wellness Drive”
Context:
With the Extreme Heat Watch issued by the National Weather Service for Lake County, with a heat index potentially reaching 115 degrees, vulnerable populations such as the elderly, low-income families, and the homeless are at heightened risk for heat-related illnesses. Additionally, recent alerts regarding unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke compound the public health threat—especially for children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory conditions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Park District (as cooling center hosts)
- Local grocers (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s) for bottled water and fresh fruit donations
- PADS Lake County (support to unhoused community)
- Salvation Army of Waukegan
- Local fire and police departments for outreach
Next Steps:
1. Convene a planning meeting with the health department and potential partners to coordinate logistics and designate cooling center sites.
2. Organize a donation drive for bottled water, portable fans, and cooling towels.
3. Mobilize Rotary volunteers to assemble wellness kits (water, rehydration salts, information on heat safety, N95 masks for air quality days).
4. Launch outreach for public education on heat/smoke safety through Rotary social media, at local markets, and public gathering places.
5. Establish scheduled delivery and staffing for mobile hydration stations to reach at-risk residents in Gurnee and Waukegan neighborhoods.
2. Education & Youth: “Safe Summer: Water Safety & Beach Health Initiative”
Context:
Following recent urgent beach warnings in Lake Forest about life-threatening swimming conditions and high lake waves, and a serious incident of violence in a Lake Bluff apartment, there is a clear need for both water safety and safe summer engagement for youth. Additionally, the Lake Forest Police Department’s “positive ticketing” initiative that rewards good choices by children offers a platform for Rotary to amplify positive youth engagement and education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Police Department (collaboration on rewards and safety education)
- Lake County Forest Preserves and Gurnee Park District (venue partners)
- Local Red Cross chapter (water and first-aid training)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Swim schools and local lifeguards
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with Lake Forest Police and park districts to create a schedule of interactive water safety workshops at beaches and community pools—integrate with or extend the “positive ticket” program.
2. Secure sponsorships or fundraising for swim lesson scholarships, especially for underserved youth in Waukegan and Gurnee.
3. Develop and distribute bilingual water safety materials and launch social media awareness campaigns ahead of high-risk weekends.
4. Recruit Rotary volunteers and local lifeguards to serve as “Safety Ambassadors” during peak usage times, offering both education and basic water safety supplies (e.g., life vests for loan, sunscreen).
5. Host a summer-ending “Safe Swimming” community event to reinforce lessons, recognize youth for safe choices, and gather feedback for ongoing needs.
1. Extreme Heat Relief and Community Health Support Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights an Extreme Heat Watch with potentially dangerous heat indices reaching up to 115 degrees in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. Vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, unhoused, and low-income residents—are at heightened risk during such events.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local park districts (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local churches and faith groups
- Salvation Army Waukegan Corps
Next Steps:
- Coordinate Pop-Up Cooling Centers: Work with libraries, park districts, and community centers to expand hours and promote their sites as cooling centers.
- Distribute Care Packages: Organize a donation drive for water, hats, cooling towels, and sunscreen, prioritizing outreach to known vulnerable populations.
- Educational Campaign: With partners, distribute flyers (or host short talks at senior centers and youth programs) on heat emergency prevention.
- Involve Rotary Volunteers: Schedule member shifts to assist at cooling centers and distribute supplies.
- Seek Sponsorships or Small Grants: Apply for district or business support to fund supplies and outreach.
2. Youth Water Safety Education and Life Jacket Access Project
Context:
The news reported recent accidents and incidents on local waterways, including Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit helping a teen in distress on Chain O’ Lakes. Drownings and near-drownings highlight a persistent need for community water safety education, especially with increased recreational lake use in summer.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit
- Great Lakes Credit Union (as a community sponsor)
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina
- YMCA of Lake County
- Local school districts (Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Swim schools and scouts
Next Steps:
- Organize Free Water Safety Clinics: Partner with the Sheriff’s Office, YMCA, and swim professionals to hold clinics at local marinas or pools, targeting families before peak summer use.
- Life Jacket Lending Program: Set up racks at marinas and beach areas, stocked with donated or Rotary-funded life jackets for public use.
- Promotional Drive: Launch a “Wear It!” campaign focusing on children and teens, delivering brief presentations in schools and distributing print/online materials.
- Secure Funding: Approach local businesses and credit unions for direct sponsorship or matching funds for life jackets and materials.
- Engage Youth: Involve Interact Clubs or Scouts in peer-to-peer water safety advocacy and organizing events.