Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities tailored to the needs and recent developments in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, with concrete steps and local partners identified. These recommendations align with Rotary’s areas of focus, based on typical community needs and recent trends, given the absence of specific news articles on July 26, 2025:
1. School Supply Drive and Youth Mentoring—Supporting Local Students in Need
Context:
As the new school year approaches, families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County communities often struggle to afford essential school supplies for their children. Both Waukegan and Gurnee have public schools with a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch programs, indicating need. With shifting economic conditions and recent inflation, back-to-school expenses can be especially burdensome for low-income families.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- Bernie’s Book Bank (Waukegan-based children’s literacy nonprofit)
- Local businesses such as Walmart (Gurnee), Office Depot, and Walgreens
- United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Reach out to district superintendents (e.g., Theresa Plascencia in Waukegan) for current needs and to coordinate distribution of supplies.
- Contact Bernie’s Book Bank to explore joint drives combining books and backpacks.
- Approach local businesses to serve as drop-off locations and to match donations.
- Set a clear timeline (August–September) and promote through social media, local newspapers, and flyers in community centers and places of worship.
- Recruit club members and local Interact/Rotaract clubs for packing and distribution days.
- Organize a back-to-school kickoff event at a local park or school to distribute supplies and introduce a mentoring program for youth, with Rotarians serving as adult role models.
2. Lake County Environmental Clean-Up and Conservation Education Initiative
Context:
With growing concern about pollution and the long-term health of Lake Michigan and local waterways, the environment remains a hot topic in Lake County. Local parks such as Gurnee Woods Forest Preserve and Waukegan Beach are popular public resources that could benefit from organized litter removal and conservation education efforts, especially following summer celebrations and festivals. There is also a need to promote recycling and waste reduction.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Waukegan Park District
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Local scout troops and high school environmental clubs
- Cool Learning Experience (environmental youth education nonprofit, Waukegan)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Lake County Forest Preserve’s volunteer coordinator to schedule a sponsored “Rotary Cleanup Day” at a priority site, such as Waukegan Beach or Gurnee Woods.
- Partner with local schools to invite students (possibly for service hours) and promote intergenerational teamwork.
- Collaborate with Cool Learning Experience to offer workshops or demonstration booths on recycling, native plants, and clean water.
- Secure supplies such as gloves, bags, and tongs (possible in-kind donations from local hardware stores).
- Publicize the event with press releases, flyers, and through community calendars, encouraging participation from families and local businesses.
- Consider a parallel fundraiser: sell commemorative t-shirts or host a community picnic afterward, with proceeds supporting future environmental projects.
These two projects not only address immediate community needs—education/youth and environmental stewardship—but also offer hands-on ways for Rotarians to engage with local partners and build visibility for your club’s work.
Based on the latest news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that address critical community needs and align with Rotary’s areas of focus: education, youth, and community health.
1. Supporting Youth Development and Education in Waukegan
Context:
Recent articles highlight a strong focus on improving educational consistency and experiences for youth in Waukegan. Waukegan School District 60 is overhauling its grading policies, aiming for more collaborative approaches over the next two years. Programs like Waukegan Park District’s youth day camp (“F.O.C.U.S. — For Our Children’s Understanding Success”) and expanded daycare offerings reveal a pressing need for enriching academic and enrichment opportunities, especially for underserved students.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Waukegan Park District
- Local nonprofits focused on youth mentorship and after-school programming (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with school district and Park District leadership to identify program gaps and urgent needs.
- Develop or sponsor a weekend or after-school learning enrichment series (e.g., STEM clubs, literacy workshops, mentorship programs).
- Organize a school supplies and books drive to support students in the daycare and day camp programs.
- Seek partnership or grants to help fund professional development for teachers and provide materials for enrichment activities.
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers as tutors, mentors, and activity leaders throughout the school year.
2. Community Health & Heat Resilience Initiative during Local Events
Context:
The Lake County Fair drew nearly 100,000 visitors despite sweltering summer temperatures (“Visitors brave the heat as Lake County Fair opens”). With record attendance and climate-related health risks on the rise, such events present an opportunity to expand community health supports, particularly around heat safety, hydration, and quick response resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Fair Association
- Lake County Health Department
- Local municipal fire and emergency services
- Local businesses willing to sponsor water, cooling stations, or medical tents
Next Steps:
- Meet with fair organizers and public health officials to identify needs for hydration stations, cooling areas, and first aid resources at large events.
- Fundraise and deploy Rotary-branded water distribution points or sponsor mobile cooling stations at the upcoming county fair or similar public gatherings.
- Recruit volunteers to distribute water, educational materials on heat illness prevention, and provide basic first aid support.
- Create informational campaign materials for heat resilience and health, available for distribution at Rotary booths.
- Evaluate the initiative’s impact post-event and expand to other large community gatherings during summer months.
By responding to these current needs—youth enrichment/education and health/safety at large public events—the Rotary Club can make a timely, visible impact in line with its service mission and areas of focus.
1. Youth Literacy and Enrichment: “Words for Winners” Mentorship & Spelling Support Program
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish’s achievement in winning the regional spelling bee and advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee spotlights academic excellence, the importance of literacy, and the value of educational support for youth in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County area. Hundreds of students participated, demonstrating significant local youth engagement and the potential to harness this enthusiasm for educational growth.
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education & Literacy; Supporting Children and Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools and school districts (e.g., Woodland District, Waukegan District 60)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Scripps Spelling Bee alumni or parent advisor volunteers
- Book retailers or publishers (e.g., Lake Forest Book Store)
Project Idea:
A Rotary-led mentoring and enrichment program that pairs successful spellers and adult volunteers with younger students, offering workshops on word origins, vocabulary-building games, and public speaking skills. The program can culminate with a local spelling competition or celebration of literacy achievement. Rotary can help provide study materials, spelling bee entry sponsorships, and recognition/appreciation events.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss collaboration and identify interested schools and student participants.
- Recruit Rotary member volunteers, as well as community members with backgrounds in language arts and education.
- Arrange for speaking engagements or practice meets hosted by local libraries.
- Promote program sign-up through schools and local media, coordinate a pilot session in the fall, and schedule a public event for recognition.
2. Community Health & Youth Engagement: “Jump Into Health” Family Fitness Festival
Context:
Recent incidents (referenced in the news feed) involving local youth and community centers—including fracas and altercations at recreational facilities—highlight a need for positive outlets that promote health, wellness, and safe spaces for young people. With community centers as natural hubs and with concerns about youth engagement and well-being, Rotary is well-positioned to foster activities that bring together families and strengthen connections among local organizations.
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health; Youth Engagement
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District (Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center)
- Gurnee Park District
- Lake County Health Department
- Local YMCAs
- Schools' parent-teacher organizations
- Healthcare providers (e.g., Advocate Aurora Health, local pediatric clinics)
- Sports clubs and fitness studios
Project Idea:
Organize a “Jump Into Health” Family Fitness and Wellness Festival, featuring fun fitness challenges (jump rope, obstacle courses, healthy cooking demos), mental health resources, and interactive booths from local health orgs. Include youth-focused workshops on conflict resolution, leadership, and teamwork, providing a positive, informative, and safe environment. Rotary can fundraise to provide healthy snacks, fitness equipment giveaways, or scholarships for youth to participate in sports or wellness programs.
Next Steps:
- Begin conversations with local park districts and health department to select date and venue.
- Assemble a planning committee with representation from potential partner organizations.
- Reach out to local fitness experts and wellness educators to lead workshops and demonstrations.
- Coordinate Rotary volunteers for event logistics, promotion, and on-site support.
- Launch event publicity in late summer, aiming for participation from families, schools, and youth groups across Lake County.
1. Project: “Healthy Summer, Healthy Families”—Community Health Outreach and Food Drive
Context:
Recent reports note Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County, are experiencing a spike in visits. With increased food insecurity, the need for healthy, accessible food remains critical. Additionally, a recent listeria contamination warning for ice cream bars sold in Illinois highlights ongoing community food safety concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County Health Department
- Local Churches (e.g., St. Paul Lutheran, Joy! Lutheran in Gurnee, North Shore Church in Waukegan)
- Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District
- Local supermarkets (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Aldi)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to set up a “healthy foods only” summer drive focused on staples and fresh produce.
- Schedule a family-friendly community event at a park or accessible community space, including health and food safety information booths backed by the Lake County Health Department.
- Involve student/youth groups in organizing and publicizing the effort, possibly tying in a healthy recipe contest or food prep demonstration.
- Use Rotary’s network to secure volunteers for collection, distribution, and educational outreach, and invite local officials and media to raise awareness of food insecurity and food safety.
- Evaluate long-term needs to establish a recurring partnership or regular healthy food collection/education program.
2. Project: “Safe Families & Empowered Youth”—Education and Human Trafficking Awareness
Context:
A Lake County Sheriff’s Office operation recently arrested 27 individuals in a two-day human trafficking sting, highlighting an urgent need for community awareness and support for at-risk youth. Rotary’s focus areas include supporting education and peacebuilding, both critical in addressing trafficking risks and fostering safe environments.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (Public Education Division)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office
- A Safe Place (Lake County’s domestic violence and human trafficking resource center)
- Local schools (Waukegan Public Schools, Warren Township High School in Gurnee)
- Youth-focused organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YWCA)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with A Safe Place and local law enforcement to organize educational forums for parents, educators, and students about human trafficking warning signs, prevention, and resources.
- Develop age-appropriate curriculum materials or sponsor educational assemblies at area middle and high schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities.
- Train Rotary and community volunteers as presenters or event facilitators, and connect survivors (when appropriate) as speakers.
- Plan a fundraising event (such as a “Freedom Walk” or awareness dinner) to support local anti-trafficking services and youth empowerment programs, engaging local businesses and media to amplify the cause and sustain momentum.
- Establish a Rotary Youth Ambassador program promoting safe choices and advocacy, with possible scholarships for student leaders.
1. Youth Literacy Initiative at "Storytime LIVE" (Kiddie Academy of Grayslake)
Context:
Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Grayslake (July 26) is aimed at families with young children and directly aligns with education and youth development, two of Rotary’s core areas of focus. The ongoing need to improve youth literacy and provide access to books, especially in under-resourced communities in Lake County (including Gurnee and Waukegan), makes this an ideal service opportunity.
Potential Partners:
- Kiddie Academy of Grayslake
- Local libraries (Grayslake Area Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Library)
- United Way of Lake County (which operates youth literacy programs)
- Local bookshops and authors
Next Steps:
- Contact Kiddie Academy to explore adding a Rotary literacy booth or book giveaway at Storytime LIVE and future events.
- Launch a children’s book drive at Rotary meetings and in partnership with partner libraries and local businesses.
- Organize volunteer readers and literacy mentors for ongoing partnerships with local pre-schools and childcare centers.
- Publicize the initiative through local event calendars, social media, and school newsletters, inviting donations and participation.
- Evaluate impact by tracking number of books distributed, families engaged, and increased library usage among target communities.
2. Community Health & Wellness Engagement at the "Back to School Bash" and "Hastings Lake YMCA Back to School Event"
Context:
The late summer sees multiple back-to-school events in Round Lake (August 1) and Lindenhurst (August 16), drawing hundreds of families. The CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Lake County Health Department continue to highlight gaps in wellness education, nutrition, mental health services, and school readiness in the area, particularly for lower-income families. This creates a timely opening for Rotary to support community health, which is another Rotary area of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District and Aquatic Center
- Hastings Lake YMCA
- Lake County Health Department
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pediatricians, dentists, and eye care professionals
- School districts 116 (Round Lake), 121 (Gurnee), and 60 (Waukegan)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with event organizers to secure a Rotary-sponsored wellness booth offering free vision/hearing screenings, dental hygiene kits, nutritious snacks, and school supply giveaways.
- Invite local healthcare providers for mini-clinics or Q&A sessions during the events.
- Organize a volunteer registration for Rotarians to staff the booth and help promote healthy school year habits (handwashing, sleep, safe technology use).
- Seek sponsorships/donations to fund health kits and supplies, leveraging local businesses and medical offices.
- Follow up with participating families, linking them to ongoing Rotary health initiatives or local community resources.
These two service projects align with Rotary values, address urgent local needs, and can have a visible, measurable impact in Gurnee, Waukegan, and throughout Lake County.
1. Community Health & Safety: Summer Heat Relief and Education Campaign
Context:
Recent news highlights an ongoing sweltering heatwave impacting Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County. Dangerous temperatures with heat indices up to 115°F have prompted the opening of cooling centers, but not all community members—especially seniors, low-income residents, and those without transportation—may know about or have access to these resources. Unhealthy air quality alerts and beach hazard warnings compound these threats. There is an urgent community health and safety need to expand awareness and access to cooling resources and provide education around heat-related safety, air quality, and water safety.
Potential Partners:
- Local municipalities and park districts (e.g., Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District)
- Lake County Health Department
- Churches, synagogues, and mosques in the area
- Local businesses for in-kind donations (e.g., bottled water, fans; Waukegan Tire as a local sponsor)
- Food pantries and senior centers
Next Steps:
- Contact local government and health department officials to identify existing gaps in outreach and resources.
- Organize a “Heat Relief Kit” distribution including water, hats, cooling towels, and educational materials in English and Spanish.
- Create and distribute flyers (digital and print) about cooling center locations, heat stroke symptoms, and tips for staying safe.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to provide transportation to cooling centers for at-risk residents.
- Coordinate with local media (e.g., Patch, radio stations) and social media for public safety announcements.
- Plan a Rotary-hosted educational session and include a fundraiser (e.g., “Beat the Heat” event) to fund ongoing support or supply additional resources for residents.
- Evaluate program reach and needs for follow-up during heat waves and poor air quality days.
2. Youth & Violence Prevention: "Safe Spaces for Youth" Initiative
Context:
Recent reports detail violent incidents involving women in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff (e.g., assault and domestic violence). While these events directly affect adults, communities impacted by violence often see repercussions among youth, including trauma, diminished school performance, and lack of safe recreation spaces. Rotary could fill a need for safe, supervised environments for young people, and invest in violence-prevention education and programs that empower youth and families.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee Elementary and High Schools)
- Lake County Sheriff's Office and local police departments
- Youth service organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake County)
- Family violence prevention nonprofits (A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center)
- Faith communities and YMCA/YWCA
Next Steps:
- Host a Rotary-sponsored series of “Safe Space Nights” at community centers, schools, or partner churches—offering supervised activities, mentorship, and workshops on conflict resolution, healthy relationships, and self-defense.
- Recruit volunteer mentors and facilitators, including local law enforcement in non-enforcement roles.
- Develop a fundraising event such as a benefit concert (building on the recent local bands’ fundraiser momentum) or family fun day, with proceeds supporting violence prevention resources, after-school programs, and counseling services.
- Work with schools to identify youth most at risk and invite program participation.
- Partner with A Safe Place or similar organizations to offer informational sessions for parents and teens about recognizing and stopping domestic and community violence.
- Gather ongoing feedback from participants and stakeholders to adapt and expand programming as needed.
Both of these Rotary project ideas align closely with Rotary’s areas of focus on disease prevention and health, community and economic development, as well as supporting education and youth development in Lake County.
Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—including concerns about youth safety, community health, gun violence, environmental issues, and potentially hazardous consumer products—I recommend the following two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities:
Context: The tragic incident involving the disappearance and presumed drowning of a 14-year-old boy at a Lake County beach highlights ongoing risks for local youth related to water safety. With Lake Michigan, inland lakes, and numerous water parks in the area, creating greater awareness and improving access to swimming lessons are urgent needs.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves (oversee many local beaches) - YMCA of Lake County (offers swim lessons and youth programs) - Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville) - Local fire and police departments (for water rescue demos)
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to YMCA of Lake County and discuss possibilities for subsidized or free swim lessons for at-risk youth. 2. Coordinate with local schools to organize water safety education events, possibly with instructional assemblies or guest speakers during gym/health classes. 3. Plan a “Rotary Water Safety Day” at a public beach or community swimming pool, including water rescue demonstrations, life jacket giveaways, and signups for swim classes. 4. Secure grant funding or host a fundraising event (such as a fun run or charity swim) to support ongoing education and lessons for low-income families.
Context: Recent reports of a fatal North Chicago shooting of a 19-year-old and the arrest of a Lake County man for child pornography underscore serious safety and wellbeing issues for area youth. Creating safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and educational outreach related to nonviolence are aligned with Rotary’s Peace area of focus.
Potential Partners: - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (youth outreach and safe spaces) - Waukegan and North Chicago police departments (community policing initiatives) - BeSMART (gun safety volunteer organization) - NAMI Lake County (youth mental health support)
Next Steps: 1. Contact the Boys & Girls Club and area schools to assess current needs and interest in afterschool nonviolence and empowerment programming. 2. Organize a “Rotary Peace Summit” for youth, featuring workshops on conflict resolution, gun safety, and mental health resources. 3. Collaborate with BeSMART to distribute gun safety information and free/discounted gun locks to families. 4. Explore grant funding or hold a community-wide fundraiser (such as a walkathon or concert) to support youth mentorship, trauma counseling, and violence prevention work in partnership with selected nonprofits.
Both initiatives address immediate and identified community needs, offer clear opportunities for Rotary engagement, and exemplify Rotary’s commitment to supporting youth, advancing health and safety, and building stronger, more resilient communities.