Based on the current news context and recent developments in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project ideas aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
A recent editorial highlights the closing of the maternity ward at Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, noting this as a serious loss for community health access. While this specific closure is outside Lake County, the issue resonates locally: Lake County has faced past challenges with maternal health access, especially among underserved populations in Waukegan and surrounding areas. This situation reinforces the need for expanded community health support, education, and resources for expectant mothers.
While not highlighted directly in today’s news, community leaders in Lake County—including Waukegan and Gurnee—have expressed growing concern over youth mental health, especially during the summer and back-to-school transition. As education normalizes post-pandemic, students are still facing anxiety, depression, and need productive, healthy outlets and support.
These project ideas are timely, align with Rotary's areas of focus (maternal and child health; supporting education and youth mental health), and leverage both local assets and partnerships for maximal community impact.
1. Youth Education Support Initiative – Partnering with Waukegan Park District Daycare & F.O.C.U.S. Day Camp
Context:
Recent coverage highlights Waukegan Park District’s efforts to enroll children in their daycare program (“We want to help give them a little edge”) and the success of the F.O.C.U.S. (For Our Children’s Understanding Success) day camp focused on youth education and experiences. Both programs address critical needs for youth, especially from under-resourced communities, aiming to build a foundation for academic and social success.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- F.O.C.U.S. Day Camp Program Leaders
- Waukegan Community Unit School District #60
- Local educators and parent-teacher associations
Next Steps:
- Organize Rotary-led book and school supply drives timed before the school year, with special distribution events at the daycare and camp facilities.
- Volunteer members as guest speakers or mentors for enrichment days at the F.O.C.U.S. camp and after-school programs.
- Fundraise for scholarships or program materials through coordinated community events (e.g., back-to-school picnic or fundraising dinner).
- Explore ongoing literacy or STEM tutoring support, recruiting Rotary volunteers or local high school/college students as tutors.
2. Community Well-being and Heat Resilience – Support Efforts During Extreme Weather at Large Events
Context:
The Lake County Fair, drawing approximately 100,000 attendees despite recent heat waves, underscores the ongoing need for community health and safety measures during extreme weather. Vulnerable groups, such as children and seniors, are especially at risk during large outdoor events. With growing frequency of heat waves due to climate change, public health and environmental resilience efforts are increasingly important.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Fair organizers
- Lake County Health Department
- Local fire and EMS departments
- Environmental advocacy groups
Next Steps:
- Launch a “Cool Zone” Rotary tent at major community events, offering water, shade, cooling supplies, and information on heat illness prevention.
- Fundraise for and distribute free reusable water bottles and portable fans to community members, particularly outreach to senior centers and childcare programs.
- Collaborate with local public health agencies to raise awareness about extreme heat preparedness through Rotary-hosted workshops or educational materials.
- Explore partnerships to plant shade trees or support sustainability projects (aligned with Rotary’s Environment area of focus) in local parks and fairgrounds, enhancing long-term community resilience.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Initiative: “Words That Win” Spelling & Literacy Support Program
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights strong local student potential, but also brings attention to the value of literacy, enrichment, and support for all students—especially in under-resourced schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee organization, if possible
Next Steps:
- Connect with schools and libraries to gauge interest in after-school or weekend spelling/literacy clubs, creative writing workshops, and/or sponsorship for next year’s regional bee.
- Develop a Rotary grant or fundraising event (e.g., “Community Spelling Bee for Adults & Youth”) to raise funds for spelling club materials, competition travel costs, and books for students.
- Invite Visharad Sathish as a guest speaker to inspire participants and help launch the program.
- Explore volunteer tutor opportunities for Rotarians to support literacy and enrichment efforts year-round.
2. Community Health & Wellness Project: Preventive Screenings & Cancer Awareness Fair
Context:
News reports indicate Rush is now offering a new blood test to detect over 50 types of cancer, demonstrating both innovation in preventive health and persisting regional concern about affordable, accessible early screening—especially as other health systems have not yet adopted this. Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, has diverse communities facing healthcare access challenges.
Potential Partners:
- Rush University Medical Center
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Local community centers, churches, and social service organizations
- Hospitals and clinics in the area (e.g., Vista Health System in Waukegan, Advocate Condell Medical Center)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Rush to discuss possibilities for a public informational session, mobile screening event, or a health fair featuring the new early-detection test, cancer-awareness materials, and general wellness screenings (blood pressure, glucose, etc.).
- Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department and local non-profits to identify community members most in need of health education and preventive care access.
- Organize a fundraising campaign or Rotary grant to subsidize screenings or transportation for low-income residents.
- Enlist Rotarian support for fair logistics, outreach, and multilingual support to increase participation among underserved populations.
Both projects align strongly with Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting education and literacy, and improving community health outcomes.
1. Food Security and Community Health: Support Local Food Pantries Experiencing Increased Demand
Context:
Recent reporting highlights that "Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year." This trend is mirrored throughout Lake County, including in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the Grayslake area, where local families continue to struggle with food insecurity due to economic downturns and rising living costs.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank: The principal food bank serving Lake County and partners directly with local pantries.
- Waukegan|Gurnee|Grayslake food pantries: Local service organizations such as COOL Ministries Food Pantry, Waukegan Salvation Army, and the Avon Township Food Pantry.
- Local businesses: Such as The Vine in Grayslake, which may support or host food drives.
Next Steps:
- Organize a community food drive, possibly themed around back-to-school readiness or upcoming holidays, to collect shelf-stable foods and hygiene items.
- Partner with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to coordinate logistics and maximize impact, including possible matching donation programs.
- Involve youth groups (e.g., Interact Clubs, Scout Troops), increasing service learning and student engagement.
- Explore hosting a “Fill the Truck” event at a popular local venue to raise both goods and monetary donations, with Rotary branding and volunteer involvement.
- Meet with pantry directors to identify highest-need items and schedule follow-up volunteer opportunities for Rotary members to help with pantry operations or distribution events.
2. Youth and Family Health: Traffic Safety Awareness and Financial Relief for Accident Victims’ Families
Context:
Recent tragic events in Lake County, such as the fatal car crash that killed a Round Lake Beach father just days after his first child was born, have brought traffic safety and emergency family support to the forefront. These incidents highlight both a public health issue (traffic safety) and the need for community support for grieving or financially impacted families.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT)
- Advocate Condell Medical Center and Lake County Health Department: For trauma support and health education.
- Local high schools/colleges: To host traffic safety assemblies or awareness campaigns.
- GoFundMe campaigns or area faith communities: For direct family support partnerships.
Next Steps:
- Develop and fund a Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign targeting youth and families, potentially timed to coincide with school events or National Teen Driver Safety Week. This could include sponsoring guest speakers, distributing informational materials, or supporting local organizations offering safe driving simulations.
- Work with Advocate Condell Medical Center or local law enforcement to provide community forums on safe driving, accident prevention, and resources for families affected by crashes.
- Create a Rotary Emergency Family Relief Fund to provide short-term assistance (food, bills, infant supplies) to families suffering sudden loss or hardship due to traffic accidents, administered in partnership with social workers or clergy referrals.
- Publicize both initiatives locally and encourage participation or donations from businesses and the public, reinforcing Rotary’s role in supporting community health and resilience.
These projects align with Rotary priorities of supporting community health, youth safety, and basic needs, while fostering partnerships and volunteerism within Lake County.
1. “Back to School Bash” Support Drive (Education & Youth Development)
Context:
The “Back to School Bash” is taking place on August 1 at the Aquatic Center, Round Lake Area Park District. This annual event gathers families and youth from Round Lake, Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities. With continuing concerns in local schools about supply shortages and ensuring all students begin the year prepared, there's an opportunity to support children and families in need—particularly those from lower-income households within Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (event organizer)
- Local school districts (Community Consolidated School District 46, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Townships’ social service agencies
- Major retailers (Target, Walmart, Jewel-Osco, Office Depot)
- Local youth clubs (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Round Lake Area Park District to coordinate a Rotary-sponsored school supply drive table at the event.
- Connect with school administrators and counselors to identify highest-need items and gaps (e.g., backpacks, calculators, hygiene kits).
- Solicit in-kind donations from retailers; mobilize club members for promotion and collection.
- Organize on-site volunteer shifts to distribute supplies, engage with families, and provide information about Rotary youth programs (e.g., scholarship or mentoring opportunities).
- Collect feedback post-event to guide future partnerships for education-focused service.
2. Waterfront Market Fresh Food Access & Nutrition Initiative (Community Health & Environment)
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor & Marina (ongoing August 22 & September 26) provides an accessible venue for local farmers, vendors, and the waterfront community. Food insecurity remains a key issue in parts of Waukegan and surrounding Lake County, especially during summer months when school-based meal programs are paused. Supporting fresh food access aligns with Rotary’s focus on enhancing community health and the environment.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Main Street (Market hosts)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local urban farms (e.g., GreenTown Waukegan)
- Health departments (Lake County Health Department)
- Youth service clubs (e.g., Interact, local high school eco-clubs)
Next Steps:
- Contact Waukegan Main Street to secure a Rotary booth presence at the Waterfront Market.
- Partner with Northern Illinois Food Bank or local farms to organize a “fresh food match” program—Rotary can match purchases or underwrite produce for food-insecure families, or run a “market bucks” distribution for those on SNAP/WIC.
- Offer nutrition education or healthy cooking demos, possibly in collaboration with Lake County Health educators or local chefs.
- Recruit youth and member volunteers for logistics and outreach, including food recovery or composting initiatives to reduce market waste.
- Share outcomes and explore potential for an ongoing healthy foods campaign in Waukegan or satellite food pantries/clubs in other Lake County communities.
These two projects offer immediate, meaningful service and fundraising opportunities directly tied to current events and the ongoing needs of Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County region.
1. Community Response to Recent Domestic Violence Incidents (Focus: Community Health & Youth)
Context:
Recent news highlights alarming incidents of domestic violence in Lake County, including the case of a woman found beaten and choked in Lake Forest, and a separate incident involving a woman slashed and choked in Lake Bluff. These events underscore a critical need for greater awareness, resources, and support for domestic violence survivors in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities.
Potential Partners:
- A Safe Place (Lake County’s leading organization for domestic violence services)
- Local law enforcement agencies (Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Forest Police Department)
- NorthShore University HealthSystem/Lake Forest Hospital
- Local youth groups and schools (for prevention education)
Next Steps:
- Organize a community forum or educational series focused on domestic violence awareness, prevention, and available resources—partnering with A Safe Place and inviting survivors, counselors, and local law enforcement to share information.
- Fundraise for survivor support by hosting a run, walk, or benefit dinner in collaboration with A Safe Place. Proceeds can help fund emergency shelter, counseling, and child services.
- Implement a youth outreach initiative in local schools (Gurnee and Waukegan districts) focusing on healthy relationships and prevention, working with educators and youth organizations.
- Form a Rotary task force to coordinate volunteer opportunities at shelters and assist with resource drives (collecting toiletries, supplies, etc.) for those in crisis.
2. Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness: Air Quality Education & Response (Focus: Environment & Community Health)
Context:
Lake Forest and surrounding areas recently experienced unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke, as well as extreme heat prompting the opening of cooling centers. These environmental challenges present immediate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues, and demonstrate the community’s need for greater awareness and access to resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local libraries and community centers (sites for cooling centers)
- Environmental organizations (Lake County Forest Preserves, Sierra Club Lake County Chapter)
- School districts and senior centers (to reach target populations)
Next Steps:
- Develop an air quality alert and response network: Work with the Lake County Health Department and local libraries to distribute information (flyers, SMS alerts, workshops) on how to respond during poor air quality or heat events.
- Fundraise for air purifiers and cooling resources: Organize a Rotary charity campaign to purchase and distribute air purifiers for vulnerable residents (e.g., seniors, low-income families) and support local cooling centers with water, snacks, and transportation vouchers.
- Host environmental health workshops in partnership with local environmental groups and schools, focusing on air quality, climate change, and personal/community preparedness.
- Coordinate with local agencies to improve signage and outreach during high-risk weather events, ensuring that all residents know where and how to access cooling centers and safety resources.
By pursuing these initiatives, Rotary can directly address urgent local needs in community health, safety, and environmental resilience, while fostering strong partnerships and building community capacity in Lake County.
1. Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Campaign
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Youth, Education
Context:
A tragic recent incident involved a 14-year-old who disappeared and is believed dead after being knocked into the water at a Lake County beach. Additionally, another report highlights deputies rescuing a struggling teen from the water on the Chain O' Lakes, pointing to a pattern of water-related emergencies involving local youth. With Lake County’s many lakes and summer beach activity, water safety is a critical community health need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit (already involved in rescue efforts)
- Local YMCAs and swim clubs
- School districts in Lake County (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, and surrounding areas)
- Park districts and local beaches
- American Red Cross (for water safety training)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with the Sheriff’s Office and interested community organizations to identify knowledge/skills gaps.
- Organize a “Water Safety Day” at a major local beach or pool, offering free swim lessons, water rescue demonstrations, and educational materials for families.
- Secure funding or Rotary volunteers to provide free/discounted life jackets to families in need.
- Develop and distribute informational pamphlets in schools and public libraries about water safety and drowning prevention.
2. Youth Sports Empowerment Fundraiser
Rotary Areas of Focus: Youth, Education, Community Development
Context:
A local girls' softball team from the area has made history by advancing to the Little League World Series, highlighting school and community pride in youth sports. However, many teams—especially in underserved communities—face financial barriers for uniforms, equipment, tournament travel, and fees. Leveraging this positive news provides an ideal opportunity to support youth engagement, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
Potential Partners:
- Local youth sports leagues (softball, baseball, etc.), especially those in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Libertyville
- School athletic departments
- Local sports stores and sporting goods suppliers
- Businesses interested in youth development or community goodwill
- Community media (for event coverage and promotion)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to coaches and league organizers to assess where needs are greatest.
- Plan and promote a Rotary-sponsored fundraiser—consider a sports-themed dinner, fun-run, or silent auction featuring experiences with local athletes.
- Set specific fundraising goals for gear, tournament entry fees, or travel stipends.
- Publicly celebrate and award funds to recipient teams, fostering community support and visibility for youth sports.
These initiatives address recent local needs and align with Rotary's mission, and can make a measurable difference for Lake County families.