Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing priorities in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, I’ve identified two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities. These are focused on Rotary’s key areas: community health, environment, and education/youth, and are responsive to both longstanding local needs and the typical summer context in the area, given no specific news items were listed for July 28, 2025.
1. Back-to-School Supply and Resource Drive for Waukegan and Gurnee Students
Context:
With the 2025-26 school year approaching, many families in Lake County, especially in Waukegan—which has a large underserved population—are struggling with back-to-school costs. School districts such as Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and Woodland School District 50 see significant numbers of students lacking basic supplies, and local agencies (like the Northern Illinois Food Bank) have noted a rise in families seeking help.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Public Schools (District 60) - Woodland School District 50 (Gurnee) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Bernie’s Book Bank (for books) - YouthBuild Lake County - Local businesses (Target, Walmart, Walgreens)
Next Steps: 1. Contact school district liaisons (Family Engagement Coordinators or Social Workers) to assess most-urgent needs. 2. Partner with businesses for in-store donation bins and sponsorship; approach Bernie’s Book Bank for new or gently-used books. 3. Host a volunteer event to assemble backpacks and resource kits, including hygiene supplies. 4. Distribute supplies at a scheduled event at a central location in Waukegan and Gurnee (e.g., school gym, public library parking lot). 5. Publicize via local media, social media, and the districts’ newsletters to maximize reach and ensure those in need are aware of the resources.
2. Environmental and Health Service Day – Waukegan and Gurnee Lakefront Clean-Up and Resource Fair
Context:
Lake County’s lakefronts and parks draw many residents during summer, but litter and pollution are persistent, especially after seasonal festivities. Waukegan’s beach has faced environmental challenges in recent years. In addition, high summer temperatures put vulnerable residents at risk, particularly those without access to cooling or basic health care.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Park District - Lake County Forest Preserves - Clean Power Lake County - Lake County Health Department - NorthShore University HealthSystem - Environmental clubs from College of Lake County
Next Steps: 1. Organize a community clean-up day at Waukegan Beach/Gurnee area parks, with recycling education stations and water sampling demos. 2. Coordinate with health partners to provide mobile health screenings (BP, glucose), sunscreen/first aid kits, and hydration stations on site. 3. Promote the event through social media, church bulletins, and city websites. 4. Engage local schools’ Key Clubs and Boy/Girl Scouts for youth involvement, fostering environmental stewardship. 5. Report results (pounds of trash collected, people screened, etc.) to the community and use as a basis for future Rotary grants or initiatives.
These projects are designed to leverage Rotary’s strengths in convening partners, addressing urgent local issues in health, environment, and youth support, and making a visible impact as the 2025-26 school year and late summer community activities begin.
1. Youth Empowerment and Enrichment Initiative with Waukegan Park District & F.O.C.U.S. Day Camp
Context:
Local reporting highlights Waukegan’s active focus on youth development. The F.O.C.U.S. Day Camp ("For Our Children’s Understanding Success") and the Waukegan Park District's daycare programs are designed to help children gain the skills and opportunities needed for long-term success. With these programs already established, there is a clear need for support and expansion, especially for underserved youth in the community.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- F.O.C.U.S. Day Camp organizers
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 (D60)
- Local youth-serving nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Suggested Rotary Project:
Host a service day and fundraising campaign to supply enrichment activity kits, STEM learning tools, and scholarships for low-income families to participate in summer and after-school programs. Rotary volunteers can assist with programming (mentoring, special presentations, reading hours) and support events like a community back-to-school resource fair.
Next Steps:
- Connect with Waukegan Park District leadership and F.O.C.U.S. camp staff to assess specific needs (supplies, scholarship funds, volunteer opportunities).
- Organize a fundraising drive within Rotary and solicit in-kind donations from local businesses (e.g., school supplies, books, sports equipment).
- Set up a calendar of volunteer days with clear tasks and sign-ups for Rotary members.
- Publicize the partnership and its impact to encourage future collaboration and broader community support.
2. Community Health and Heat Safety Outreach at Lake County Fair and Beyond
Context:
With the Lake County Fair expecting 100,000 visitors and extreme heat as a current concern, there is both an immediate and ongoing need to educate the public on heat safety, hydration, and general health. Events of this scale present ideal venues for Rotary to demonstrate service in action, directly benefiting all ages of the community.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Fair organizers
- Lake County Health Department
- Local healthcare providers/hospitals (e.g., Vista Health System)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Fire Departments (for EMT education outreach)
Suggested Rotary Project:
Set up and staff a Rotary “Community Wellness & Cooling Station” at the Lake County Fair and possibly at other community events throughout the summer. This booth can provide cold water, information on heat safety, basic health screenings (blood pressure, hydration status), and children’s health education materials. Extension of this project could include supporting local cooling centers or distributing reusable water bottles to those at risk.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Fair Board to secure booth space and permissions for Rotary engagement.
- Partner with the Health Department and healthcare professionals to develop appropriate resources and staff the booth.
- Organize a subcommittee to handle logistics, supplies (coolers, water, pamphlets), and volunteer scheduling.
- Coordinate press and social media coverage to spotlight Rotary’s role and encourage broader community awareness of health and safety resources.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Seventh-grader Visharad Sathish from Lake County recently won a marathon spelling bee against competitors from 73 Lake County schools and will represent the region at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. This achievement highlights both the talent among Lake County youth and the need for accessible platforms that foster academic excellence, literacy, and confidence in public events.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Education and Literacy
- Youth Support
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee District 56, Waukegan District 60)
- Local libraries (Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Parent/teacher associations
- Businesses interested in supporting youth and education (bookstores, tutoring centers)
Recommended Project:
Sponsor and expand a “Rotary Youth Academic Expo,” celebrating literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). This could include spelling bees, math competitions, and STEAM showcases for elementary and middle school students, with an emphasis on under-resourced schools.
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County ROE and library leadership to identify needs and possible event dates.
- Recruit Rotary members to help organize, recruit participants, and provide volunteer judges or mentors.
- Seek sponsors for event materials, prizes, meals, and transportation for students who may need it.
- Create a scholarship fund for top performers, such as the “Rotary Scholar Award,” to further their education or attend academic camps.
- Publicize the event via local schools, social media, and press.
2. Youth Wellbeing & Community Resilience Fundraiser
Context:
While not explicitly covered in the article, current events and community feedback in the greater Gurnee/Waukegan area indicate that post-pandemic, youth mental health, safe spaces, and support for positive after-school activities are pressing community needs—especially as students like Visharad are under significant pressure to achieve. Rotary’s commitment to community health and supporting youth mental wellness is increasingly vital.
Rotary Area of Focus:
- Community Health
- Supporting Children and Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Services)
- Youth services nonprofits (Nicasa Behavioral Health, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- School counselors and social workers
- Mental health advocacy groups
- Local businesses and faith organizations
Recommended Project:
Launch a “Rotary Cares: Youth Wellbeing Fundraiser and Awareness Campaign.” The event can include a community walk, family wellness fair, or spelling bee exhibition with local youth, focused on raising funds for counseling services, after-school programming, and wellness workshops in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities.
Next Steps:
- Establish a planning committee with representatives from local youth-focused organizations.
- Identify a date and secure a venue, such as a local park or school gym.
- Engage sponsors for refreshments, materials, and marketing costs.
- Develop wellness workshop offerings—stress management, study skills, healthy coping—for youth and families.
- Publicize the event in partnership with community leaders, schools, and through the media.
- Use proceeds to support direct services and program scholarships targeting youth most in need.
1. Supporting Local Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand (Community Health & Basic Needs)
Context:
Recent local reports highlight that Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County region, are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year. Rising costs of living and inflation are pushing more families to rely on food assistance programs for basic nutrition.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local churches and houses of worship
Next Steps:
a. Connect with local pantry coordinators (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, Warren Township Food Pantry) to assess highest current needs—food donations, volunteer support, or financial assistance.
b. Organize a “Rotary Day of Service” food drive, incorporating local businesses as collection sites and leveraging members’ networks.
c. Apply for District Rotary grants to provide targeted funding for perishable goods, hygiene products, or refrigeration equipment.
d. Coordinate publicity via Patch, social media, and community newsletters to broaden community participation and increase donations.
2. Child Drowning Prevention & Pool Safety Education Campaign (Community Health, Youth, Education)
Context:
A recent tragic report highlighted the recall of millions of small backyard pools after nine child drownings nationwide. Lake County’s many families with young children increases local risk, especially in summer. Community members may lack up-to-date pool safety knowledge, and recall awareness may be low.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Park District Aquatic Centers
- Local schools and parent-teacher organizations
- Safe Kids Illinois and local pediatricians
Next Steps:
a. Partner with the Lake County Health Department and aquatic centers to schedule free or low-cost water safety workshops for parents and children, featuring certified instructors.
b. Work with local schools and PTAs to distribute pool safety materials, including information about recalled products and emergency safety guidelines.
c. Organize a fundraising event (e.g., “Rotary Splash for Safety” family swim day) to support swim lessons for underserved youth and provide safety equipment like life vests.
d. Publicize the safety campaign and education sessions through Patch news, social media, and Rotary’s networks to ensure wide community reach.
1. Back to School Bash & YMCA Back to School Event Support — Education and Youth Empowerment
Context:
Round Lake Area Park District and the Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst) are both hosting back-to-school events in August. These celebrations aim to provide a fun send-off to summer and prepare local students for the school year. In Lake County communities—especially Waukegan, Round Lake, and Gurnee—many students face barriers such as limited access to school supplies, healthy food, or after-school programming.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District
- Hastings Lake YMCA
- Area elementary and middle schools (such as Woodland District 50, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60)
- Local businesses (Jewel-Osco, Grayslake merchants’ association)
- Nonprofits (Northern Illinois Food Bank)
Recommended Rotary Actions / Next Steps:
- Organize a school supply drive leading up to and during these events, focusing on backpacks, writing supplies, and calculators.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to host an activity booth at each event, distributing supplies and offering literacy games.
- Coordinate with YMCA and Park District event staff to sponsor healthy snacks or after-school program scholarships for families in need.
- Seek matching local business donations (e.g., Jewel-Osco at the Hatch Chile Roast could help with healthy snacks).
- Publicize the program through Patch and school newsletters to reach families most in need.
2. Grayslake and Waukegan Farmers & Waterfront Markets — Community Health and Environment Initiative
Context:
Recurring farmers markets in Grayslake (Wednesdays) and the Waterfront Markets at Waukegan Harbor (monthly on Fridays) attract a diverse cross-section of the community. These popular gatherings offer opportunities to address food insecurity, healthy lifestyle choices, and environmental stewardship—a growing need in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Market organizers (Grayslake Farmers Market, Waukegan Harbor & Marina management)
- Local food growers and vendors
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Grayslake Environmental Commission, Lake County Forest Preserves
- Health departments (Lake County Health Department)
Recommended Rotary Actions / Next Steps:
- Create a “Rotary Healthy Living” booth, offering free blood pressure screenings, nutrition guides, and environmental stewardship tips at each market.
- Partner with local farms to sponsor a weekly “Farm-to-Family” fresh produce giveaway for families using food assistance.
- Organize a “Kids’ Eco Passport” scavenger hunt with environmental questions and reusable prizes to promote sustainability awareness.
- Collaborate with Northern Illinois Food Bank for produce matching and information on local pantries.
- Use these events to promote Rotary’s larger environmental and health initiatives, such as tree planting days or wellness workshops.
Both initiatives address community needs in education, youth empowerment, health, and the environment while leveraging well-attended local events and Rotary’s expertise in service and partnership.
1. Community Health & Resilience: “Cooling Center and Clean Air Outreach” Project
Context:
Recent news in Lake and Lake County underscores pressing concerns of climate extremes, including a sweltering heatwave driving residents to cooling centers and health alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, resulting in unhealthy air quality ("Sweltering Heatwave Hits Lake Forest: Where To Find Cooling Centers," "Unhealthy Air Quality Prompts Pollution Alert For Lake Forest"). Vulnerable groups—seniors, children, low-income families, and those with health conditions—are especially at risk during such events.
Potential Partners:
- Local cooling centers (i.e., Lake County Forest Preserves, Waukegan public libraries, community centers like the Robert W. Rolek Community Center)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Area businesses (Waukegan Tire as a sponsor/supporter)
- Local fire and police departments
Next Steps:
- Convene an initial meeting with local cooling center managers and Lake County Health Department to identify gaps (supplies, promotion, staffing).
- Organize donation drives for bottled water, personal fans, N95 masks for poor air quality days, and educational materials on heat/smoke safety.
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers, and engage local youth organizations, to distribute supplies to cooling centers, senior residences, and low-income neighborhoods.
- Launch a “Beat the Heat & Breathe Easy” awareness campaign with materials in English and Spanish—distribute at libraries, events, and partner businesses.
- Evaluate the need and feasibility to fundraise for air purifiers in public spaces or at-risk family homes, especially where children with asthma reside.
2. Youth Safety, Empowerment & Violence Prevention: “Empower Youth Lake County” Initiative
Context:
Recent incidents in Lake County (e.g., “Woman Who Was Choked, Beaten Found in Roadway,” “Woman Slashed In Hand, Choked By Suspect in Lake Bluff Apartment”) highlight persistent domestic violence and public safety concerns. The summer months see increased youth presence in the community, and positive, preventive engagement is crucial.
Potential Partners:
- A Safe Place Lake County (domestic violence support)
- Local Police Departments (Lake Forest, Waukegan, Lake Bluff)
- School districts and summer camp programs (Waukegan Public Schools, Lake Forest Schools)
- Youth mentoring organizations (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County)
- Local hospitals/mental health service providers
Next Steps:
- Invite representatives from A Safe Place, local law enforcement, and schools to a Rotary roundtable to identify current gaps in youth safety resources and education.
- Organize a fundraising event (family fun run, ‘Chalk the Walk’ anti-violence art day, or community dinner) to support and expand empowerment and violence-prevention programming in schools and community settings.
- Develop and sponsor workshops for youth on communication, conflict resolution, and recognizing signs of domestic violence and mental distress, facilitated by local experts.
- Offer micro-grants or material support for youth-led initiatives promoting kindness, inclusion, and safe spaces within schools and parks.
- Collaborate with police departments to co-host “Community Safety Days” focusing on trust-building, resource sharing, and open dialogue with families.
These initiatives advance Rotary’s mission in community health, youth empowerment, and public safety, creating visible, sustainable impact in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County.
1. Water Safety Education and Equipment Drive (Community Health, Youth)
Context:
A tragic recent event in Lake County involved a 14-year-old who drowned after being swept into the water at a beach. This highlights an urgent community need for water safety education and accessible life-saving equipment, such as life jackets, especially as summer brings more youth and families to local lakes and beaches.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville Park Districts
- Local YMCA or swim schools
- Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit
- American Red Cross (local chapter)
Next Steps:
- Convene interested partners for an initial planning session to assess key needs and opportunities (e.g., do beaches/lakes lack loaner life jackets, signage?)
- Organize a fundraising campaign and supply drive for life jackets, rescue rings, and multilingual safety signage
- Host free water safety and CPR workshops in schools and at park district events before and during the peak swim season
- Collaborate with media such as Patch and school newsletters for awareness and engagement
2. Youth Violence Prevention & Support Initiative (Peacebuilding, Youth, Community Health)
Context:
A 19-year-old was recently killed in a North Chicago shooting, and ongoing reports cite concerns about youth violence and crime in Lake County. Rotary could support prevention and healing by providing safe spaces, mentorship, and resources for at-risk youth.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local police departments’ community outreach units
- Waukegan to College
- Faith-based and youth organizations (e.g., YouthBuild Lake County)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Violence Prevention Office
Next Steps:
- Reach out to potential partner organizations for a roundtable to identify current gaps: after-school programming, mentorship, trauma counseling, conflict resolution workshops, recreation, etc.
- Plan a fundraising event, such as a community walk or sports tournament, to raise awareness and financial support for youth programs
- Organize volunteer-driven mentorship or job-readiness workshops in partnership with local high schools and nonprofits
- Seek Rotary district and foundation grants to enhance sustainable, evidence-based prevention and support initiatives