Based on the recent coverage and considering Rotary’s key areas of focus, I’ve identified two service and fundraising project opportunities relevant to Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area:
1. Back-to-School Readiness and Wellness Fair
Context:
With the Daily Herald’s editorial highlighting the transition from summer to school and the importance of setting up local students for a meaningful, enriching year, there is clear momentum and community attention around education and youth development. Many area families, particularly in Waukegan, face barriers to accessing school supplies, health screenings, and support services at the start of the school year.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public School District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- Lake County Health Department
- Local parent-teacher associations
- Local businesses (Staples, Target, Walgreens)
- Food pantries/churches
Next Steps:
- Contact school administrators to discuss needs and determine dates for a late-summer event.
- Reach out to the Health Department to organize free or low-cost immunizations, dental checks, and vision screenings.
- Seek donations of backpacks, school supplies, and healthy snacks from local retailers and community members.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary and partner organizations to help coordinate activities, tutoring, and mentorship sign-ups.
- Publicize the event through schools, social media, local news outlets, and partner organizations.
2. Fresh Food for Families: Healthy Produce and Education Project
Context:
Recent local stories discuss seasonal produce (plums, peaches) and issues of food spoilage and affordability. Lake County includes food deserts and communities needing better access to fresh, nutritious food. There’s an opportunity both for direct service (food distribution) and education (healthy eating, home cooking skills).
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Greenbelt Cultural Center/Forest Preserve (community gardens)
- Local farmers’ markets
- Health and wellness educators
- Gurnee Community Church & local faith groups
- Area chefs or culinary school students
Next Steps:
- Partner with Northern Illinois Food Bank to organize monthly produce distributions at strategic locations in Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Involve local gardeners and markets for potential produce donations during harvest season.
- Coordinate interactive demonstrations (healthy cooking classes, fruit and veggie tastings) possibly led by local chefs or dietitians; use “overlooked” fruits like plums to introduce new foods to families.
- Develop and distribute educational materials on food storage and preparation, addressing concerns about spoilage and maximizing nutrition.
- Engage Rotary and youth volunteers for logistics, outreach, and follow-up (surveys to assess impact).
Both opportunities support Rotary’s focus on community health, education, and youth, while fostering partnerships and visible impact in Lake County.
1. Waukegan River Restoration Community Engagement and Education Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment, Education, Community Health
Context:
The City of Waukegan is launching an engineering design project to restore and enhance the Waukegan River and its ravines, aiming to preserve these resources for future generations. As these efforts begin, there is a critical need for public education, youth involvement, and community stewardship to ensure long-term success and ongoing care for these natural spaces.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan and its Public Works/Engineering division
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 (D60)
- Local environmental organizations such as Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
- Youth programs and local scout troops (e.g., Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Boy Scouts of America NE Illinois Council)
- Faith-based community organizations in Waukegan
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Waukegan city officials to coordinate Rotary involvement with the river project timeline.
- Develop an environmental education workshop series for students and families, aligning with the school district’s curriculum and the restoration milestones.
- Organize volunteer days for creek cleanups and native planting, engaging youth organizations and families.
- Plan a public “Waukegan River Celebration Day” with interactive activities, environmental presentations, and citizen science opportunities in coordination with the start of the engineering project.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund educational materials, supplies for volunteer events, and community outreach.
2. “Unplugged Youth Wellness Festival” in Collaboration with Local Schools
Rotary Area of Focus: Youth, Community Health, Education
Context:
Following the recent success of the Unplugged Festival in Lake Zurich, which promoted time away from phones in favor of real-world connections, there is strong community interest in fostering youth mental health, interpersonal skills, and well-being through device-free activities. This is especially timely as Waukegan D60 schools begin the academic year, with 14,000 students returning after a summer that likely included heavy screen time.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Gurnee School Districts (56, 50, 121)
- Local PTAs and youth clubs
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Community centers and libraries
- Businesses to sponsor healthy meals or activity materials (e.g., Elawa Farm Café for nutritious food samples)
Next Steps:
- Partner with school administrators and PTA leaders to schedule a fall “Unplugged Youth Wellness Festival” at a local park or school gym.
- Coordinate with mental health professionals and organizations to offer workshops on digital wellness, stress reduction, and healthy social interaction.
- Recruit volunteers to facilitate board games, art stations, nature walks, and sports.
- Secure local business sponsorships for supplies, snacks, and event promotion.
- Organize a student-led campaign (art, essay, or video contest) on “What I Gained When I Unplugged,” culminating in presentations at the festival.
- Follow up with schools to integrate digital wellness themes into ongoing health curriculum, possibly with Rotary-funded resource kits.
These two projects harness timely momentum and address urgent community needs while aligning with Rotary’s focus on environment, education, youth, and health.
Here are two Rotary project ideas for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, based on current events and Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Literacy and Academic Excellence: Spelling Bee Success Support & Student Enrichment
Context:
Local seventh-grader Visharad Sathish from Lake County recently won a marathon regional spelling bee and is headed to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights a broader need to support academic excellence and literacy, especially for middle school students in the area.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (such as Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and Gurnee-based Woodland District 50)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Local libraries
Next Steps:
- Organize an annual "Lake County Student Academic Excellence Night," honoring participants from spelling bees, math, and science competitions.
- Create a scholarship or grant fund to support travel and participation for local students who reach national academic contests, not just spelling bees.
- Launch Rotary-facilitated spelling and literacy workshops with local schools and libraries, with volunteer opportunities for Rotarians as spelling or reading coaches.
- Publicize the achievements of students like Visharad Sathish to raise community awareness and pride, encouraging more youth engagement in literacy initiatives.
2. Youth Wellness and Social Connection: Digital Unplugged & Mental Health Outreach
Context:
Recent local news highlighted a highly attended Lake Zurich "Unplugged Festival," emphasizing the growing need for social connection and mental health, especially among youth, by encouraging people to disconnect from technology and connect in person.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local youth centers (such as Waukegan Park District's Belvidere Recreation Center)
- Local school counselors and social workers
- Mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- YMCA of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Develop a “Rotary Unplugged Day” event in Waukegan or Gurnee, featuring outdoor games, art activities, mindfulness experiences, and educational booths about healthy technology habits.
- Coordinate with school counselors to provide resource tables and short workshops on social-emotional well-being and safe technology use at the event.
- Host regular community “Digital Detox Family Nights,” providing structured, device-free activities, refreshments, and facilitated conversations on mental health.
- Promote events through local schools and social media, inviting mental health professionals for short talks and Q&A sessions, strengthening the district's support network for youth and families.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus on education, youth, and community health, and address timely local needs. Getting involved with local educational leaders and health professionals will help ensure these initiatives succeed and remain responsive to current community concerns.
1. Community Health and Youth Protection: Dental Health Access and Safety Initiative
Context:
The recent death of a young girl, Sophia Farmer (of Spring Grove), following a dental visit at 875 E. Washington Street in Grayslake has heightened community concerns regarding both access to safe dental care and broader issues of pediatric health safety. This tragedy underscores urgent needs for better education on dental health, patient rights, and medical safety for families, as well as possible gaps in access to trusted pediatric dental providers—especially for underserved and vulnerable youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local pediatric and family dentists
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools (especially in Gurnee and Waukegan)
- YWCA Lake County (for youth/family outreach)
- Waukegan Public Library (public education events)
- Northwest Community Healthcare (health fairs, screenings)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with identified dental and health partners to establish goals: e.g., a “Dental Safety & Smile Health Fair.”
- Develop a workshop series on dental health, including how to choose a provider, knowing your rights, and what to expect during visits (in English and Spanish).
- Coordinate free or low-cost dental screenings for youth at Rotary-sponsored community events (possibly at local libraries or schools).
- Fundraise for a Dental Safety Fund, supporting emergency dental care for uninsured local youth and sponsoring dental kits for families.
- Publicize the initiative in the wake of local news, emphasizing education, community healing, and youth protection.
2. Disaster Relief and Community Housing Support: Fire Victim Assistance Program
Context:
A recent fire in Grayslake has displaced local residents following a vehicle blaze that spread to a residence. This incident reflects a recurring challenge throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County: Many families lack emergency supports, housing security, or resources to navigate sudden crises. The aftermath of such events often includes not only physical displacement but sustained financial and emotional hardship.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Housing Authority
- Salvation Army of Waukegan
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local fire departments (for fire prevention outreach)
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
- Habitat for Humanity Lake County (for longer-term housing solutions)
Next Steps:
- Organize an emergency relief drive (fundraising, supplies) targeting displaced families—prioritizing recent victims and creating a sustainable, rotating fund for future incidents.
- Partner with fire departments and housing authorities to host “Fire Safety and Preparedness” workshops for residents in vulnerable neighborhoods, including basic fire prevention equipment distribution (smoke alarms, etc.).
- Develop a “Rotary Safe Home Grant”—a microgrant program for families facing sudden displacement, covering short-term housing costs, basic needs, and case management referrals.
- Publicize these resources through local news, social media, and by tabling at major Lake County community events.
- Evaluate ongoing needs and seek partnerships for long-term recovery, including with local businesses willing to sponsor transitional housing or donate essential items.
Both projects closely align with Rotary’s core areas of focus: support for youth, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and community economic development.
1. “Healthy Start: Back-to-School Bash Partnership”
Context:
The Hastings Lake YMCA in Lindenhurst is hosting a FREE Family Back to School Bash—a timely event aimed at supporting families and students as the school year begins. Back-to-school events present opportunities to improve community health, promote youth development, and help ensure children start the year with essential school supplies and health information.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Education, Youth
Potential Partners:
- Hastings Lake YMCA (event host)
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local businesses (for in-kind donations and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Hastings Lake YMCA leadership to offer support at the Bash—such as organizing a Rotary booth offering free backpacks, basic school supplies, or wellness kits (hand sanitizer, masks, toothbrushes, etc.).
- Collaborate with Lake County Health Department to provide basic health screenings and wellness information for attendees.
- Engage local businesses for supply donations or sponsorship.
- Recruit club members and volunteers to staff the booth and help with event set-up and outreach.
- Promote the Rotary presence in advance to encourage families to attend and raise awareness of Rotary’s commitment to youth and education.
2. “Waterfront Market Food Access Initiative”
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina is a recurring event that draws families, residents, and local vendors. Waukegan, as a diverse community with areas of economic need, welcomes initiatives that address food access, community nutrition, and support for local growers—directly aligning with the Rotary’s areas of focus on Community Health and Supporting the Environment.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Environment, Economic Development
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Harbor and Marina management
- Lake County food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Local farmers and vendors
- Waukegan Park District
Next Steps:
- Contact Waterfront Market organizers to arrange a Rotary-sponsored “Community Nutrition Day” at an upcoming market (such as the August 22 or September 26 dates).
- Plan healthy food tastings or cooking demonstrations using locally grown produce, offering nutrition education for attendees.
- Partner with local food pantries to collect fresh food donations at the Market and promote low-income resident participation with discounts or food vouchers (funded or matched by Rotary).
- Organize a children’s activity (such as a kids’ garden planting kit giveaway), in line with Rotary’s commitment to youth and environmental education.
- Publicize the initiative with Rotary branding, and work with the Park District and local media to highlight the partnership.
By leveraging these local events and strategic partnerships, the Rotary Club can immediately address health, education, and food access needs while boosting community engagement and Rotary’s visibility.
1. Community Response to Air Quality Alerts—Clean Air Awareness & Relief Program
Context: The recent issuance of an Air Pollution Action Day and a warning about unhealthy air quality in Lake Forest highlight the urgency of environmental and public health concerns in Lake County. Poor air quality disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools (Lake Forest, Lake Bluff school districts)
- Environmental Defense Fund or local environmental groups
- Municipal governments (Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan)
Next Steps: - Organize an educational campaign in collaboration with the local health department and schools to distribute information about air pollution, prevention strategies, and resources, especially for those with health risks. - Host an event to distribute air-purifying plants, N95 masks, and information booklets during peak pollution days. - Seek grant funding from Rotary District or environment-focused organizations for air filtration devices in schools and community centers. - Arrange a tree-planting initiative and recruit volunteers from clubs, schools, and community groups to increase urban canopy and long-term air quality.
2. “Ready to Learn” School Supply & Tutoring Initiative
Context: With the upcoming start of the 2025-26 school year and recent coverage about school calendars and preparations, there is an opportunity to address gaps in educational readiness and student support, especially as cost and resource barriers often impact Lake County’s lower-income students (notably in Waukegan and Gurnee).
Potential Partners:
- School districts in Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire) for sponsorship and donation drop-off points
- Youth-oriented organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs)
- Public libraries with homework help programs
Next Steps: - Launch a school supply drive, collecting backpacks, writing materials, and hygiene kits for families in need; set up bins at businesses like Waukegan Tire and area libraries. - Collaborate with schools and youth service agencies to organize a volunteer tutoring/mentoring program, especially for reading and math readiness. - Host a “Back to School Readiness Fair” with free supplies, family resources, and on-site tutoring sign-up. - Apply for Rotary grants to support the purchase of supplies and expand tutoring capacity, with Rotarians participating as mentors and guest speakers.
These two project areas combine immediate response to current community health threats and longer-term investment in local youth education, aligning closely with Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention, education, and supporting the environment.
1. Child Safety and Support Initiative for Unlicensed Daycare Crisis
Context:
Recent news reports reveal that authorities and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are investigating an unlicensed daycare in North Chicago, where meth was reportedly being sold while children were present. This alarming situation exposes the need for increased community awareness about safe childcare, as well as support resources for families who may turn to unlicensed providers due to lack of access or affordability.
Rotary Focus Area: Community health; child safety; education
Potential Partners:
- Lake County DCFS
- Lake County Health Department
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Local police departments
- United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
a) Organize and host a community forum or resource fair with DCFS, featuring information sessions on safe childcare, how to identify licensed providers, and available subsidies for low-income families.
b) Launch a fundraising campaign to support scholarships or emergency childcare assistance for families transitioning out of unsafe situations.
c) Work with local media and schools to distribute multilingual educational materials about safe childcare options and reporting channels for suspected abuse or illegal daycare operations.
d) Establish ongoing partnerships with social service organizations to create a sustainable referral and support network.
2. Youth Mental Health Resiliency Project in Response to Great Lakes Naval Station Tragedy
Context:
The tragic, self-inflicted death of a Navy recruit at Great Lakes Naval Station highlights a wider need for mental health support for youth and young adults, especially those in high-pressure environments. The Lake County area, with many military families and young recruits, could benefit from additional resources and community-based prevention programs addressing suicide, depression, and stress management.
Rotary Focus Area: Disease prevention and treatment; supporting education; supporting families
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- Lovell Federal Health Care Center (serving military families)
- Area schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs)
- NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
a) Collaborate to host mental health first aid workshops for parents, educators, and youth leaders, focusing on early signs of suicidality and how to access help.
b) Fundraise for scholarships and materials to support youth resiliency programs in local schools and at the naval station.
c) Launch a public awareness campaign—possibly during National Suicide Prevention Month—featuring local mental health professionals and stories of hope and recovery.
d) Promote the establishment of peer support initiatives within schools and organizations serving military youth.
These projects are both timely and tightly aligned with Rotary’s commitment to safe, healthy, and educated communities, addressing pressing needs surfaced in recent community news.