Based on the September 3, 2025 news summaries from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—and considering recent community priorities and Rotary’s areas of focus—here are two actionable project ideas for local Rotary clubs:
1. Family Nutrition & Food Security Initiative: "Rotary Easy Meals Workshops"
Context:
Several news stories highlight fast, affordable meal solutions (rotisserie chicken, pantry-friendly tuna, quick soups), reflecting ongoing community concern for accessible, nutritious meal options for busy families and individuals. Rising food prices continue to affect Lake County, and many households, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, experience nutrition gaps and food insecurity.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank (strong presence in Lake County) - Local supermarkets (Costco, Mariano’s) - Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts (community centers) - Local school districts (e.g., Mundelein School District 75) - Lake County Health Department
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to community partners and local schools to assess interest and needs for family-friendly, budget meal workshops. 2. Plan a series of "Rotary Easy Meals" events featuring chef-led cooking demos using affordable supermarket staples (like rotisserie chicken) and nutrition education. 3. Integrate recipe cards and nutrition tip sheets in Spanish and English; invite local dietitians or school health educators as speakers. 4. Host events at rotating library/community center sites (partnering with local food pantries for meal kit distribution). 5. Secure event sponsorships, ingredient donations, and assemble Rotary volunteer teams to support work. 6. Evaluate impact by surveying participants and food pantry partners.
2. "Back-to-School Ready" Youth Literacy & School Supply Drive
Context:
Mundelein School District 75’s late start to the school year may leave families with a shorter prep window; many low-income families may struggle to afford supplies each fall. With education and youth development as core Rotary priorities, there is an opportunity to support local students and schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area.
Potential Partners: - Mundelein School District 75 and High School District 120 (point of contact: Superintendent Dr. Kevin Myers) - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County - Lake County United Way - Local libraries - Bookstores (e.g., Lake Forest Book Store) - Spinnaker Cove Book Club or similar readers’ groups
Next Steps: 1. Contact district administrators and youth organizations to identify schools or students most in need of school supplies and children’s books. 2. Organize a supply and book drive (focusing on diverse, age-appropriate, and culturally inclusive materials) with visible collection points at Rotary member businesses and libraries. 3. Mobilize Rotarians and partner groups to assemble “Back-to-School Ready” kits (including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and new/gently used books). 4. Host a family “Literacy Launch” event at the start of school, with story times, author visits, and book giveaways to celebrate reading. 5. Promote volunteer reading buddies or afterschool literacy support as ongoing Rotary club service. 6. Publicize the impact with donor and partner recognition; gather feedback from recipient families and educators.
These initiatives align with Rotary’s focus on community health, supporting education, and serving youth, while leveraging current community trends and recent news context across Lake County.
1. Invasive Buckthorn Removal and Native Habitat Restoration Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment
Context:
The Lake County Forest Preserves are currently waging a “war on invasive buckthorn,” which is highlighted as a significant local environmental threat. Buckthorn crowds out native plants, reduces biodiversity, and harms soil health and local wildlife habitats. There is high public interest in ecological restoration, and the Preserves are seeking increased community engagement and volunteer support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local garden clubs (e.g., Waukegan Garden Club, Gurnee Garden Club)
- Youth groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and high school environmental clubs
- Municipalities of Gurnee and Waukegan
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Forest Preserves to coordinate a Rotary volunteer day focused on buckthorn removal.
- Organize fundraising for tools, gloves, and native plant saplings for habitat restoration after buckthorn clearing.
- Launch an educational campaign in local schools about invasive species and their impact; offer service hours to student volunteers.
- Set a date for a community-wide “Buckthorn Bust” day, inviting families, youth groups, and local leaders.
2. Youth Mentorship and Support Program in Collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club
Rotary Areas of Focus: Youth & Education
Context:
Recent news featured Chicago Bears’ D.J. Moore partnering with the Boys & Girls Club, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of positive moments and mentorship for youth in Lake County. Community organizations highlighted the ongoing need for youth support, mentorship, and educational opportunities, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, where after-school enrichment and career guidance can have a huge impact.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (CEO Germain Castellanos referenced in local news)
- Public libraries in Waukegan and Gurnee
- Local school districts and parent-teacher organizations
- Local businesses willing to support internships or career days
Next Steps:
- Meet with Boys & Girls Club leadership to identify specific needs for youth in the area (e.g., tutors, mentors, career speakers, funding for enrichment programs).
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers to serve as mentors, homework helpers, or to organize hands-on STEM/arts workshops.
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a “Run for Youth Empowerment” or “Education Night”) to raise funds for technology, supplies, or scholarships.
- Partner with schools and libraries for a “Rotary Reads” literacy program and explore career exploration events with local business professionals.
These projects directly address current news and pressing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, fitting Rotary’s commitment to environmental stewardship, youth development, and community service.
1. Youth Literacy & Educational Enrichment: Countywide Spelling/Academic Competition Program
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon spelling bee, securing a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in D.C. This highlights the academic talent and enthusiasm for language arts among local youth, and the broad participation—73 schools and hundreds of students—points to a vibrant interest in educational achievement.
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy; Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTAs
- Lake County libraries
- Corporate sponsors for prizes or event logistics (e.g., local banks or businesses)
Next Steps:
a) Connect with the Lake County Regional Office of Education and offer Rotary support—through volunteers, funds for travel, or sponsorships for county finalists.
b) Organize a countywide Academic Achievement Celebration, showcasing spelling bee and other scholastic contest winners (math, science, geography), with scholarship awards or technology grants as prizes.
c) Host workshops or mentoring sessions led by Rotary members for students interested in language arts.
d) Develop an annual fundraising breakfast or dinner honoring top youth achievers, where Rotary presents checks/scholarships and grows local support for ongoing literacy initiatives.
2. Environmental Stewardship: Buckthorn Removal and Green Space Restoration in Lake County Forest Preserves
Context:
A recent Lake County update spotlights a countywide campaign to combat the spread of invasive buckthorn across local forest preserves. Effective removal and restoration are labor-intensive, with preserves actively seeking community help. Ensuring healthy public green spaces aligns strongly with Rotary’s environmental focus, and also offers projects for youth and families.
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment; Community Development
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Audubon, Openlands)
- Scout troops, school eco-clubs, and Key Clubs
- Local nurseries/garden centers for native plant donations
Next Steps:
a) Contact the Lake County Forest Preserves Volunteer Coordinator to arrange branded Rotary-sponsored buckthorn removal events ("Rotary Roots Out Buckthorn Day"), targeting high-need sites.
b) Mobilize Rotarians, families, and youth (Key Club, Interact, Scouts) for hands-on service days—participants can remove invasive plants, install native trees/shrubs, and help with nature trail restoration.
c) Seek local business or foundation support for tools, gloves, or refreshments for volunteers.
d) Launch a related educational campaign—host public talks or school visits about invasive species, ecological health, and how youth can make a difference, culminating in a Rotary "Green Champions" recognition for participating young volunteers.
1. Youth Water Safety & Recreation Awareness Program
Context:
A recent collision involving jet skis on Gages Lake left four people injured, highlighting community concerns about water safety, especially among young people and families who use Lake County’s many lakes for recreation. With summer recreation ongoing and Labor Day incidents fresh in mind, local attention is high on the need for safety education, responsible watercraft use, and youth preparedness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit
- Gages Lake Conservation Committee
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local schools (e.g., Warren Township High School)
- YMCA of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with key community partners, including law enforcement and conservation groups.
- Organize a Water Safety Fair or series of youth workshops, providing demonstrations, life jacket fittings, and safety seminars from first responders.
- Develop and distribute bilingual water safety materials to area schools and community centers.
- Explore opportunities for hands-on water skills days, possibly in partnership with the YMCA or local marinas.
- Seek local business sponsorships or grants to fund swim lesson scholarships for underserved youth.
2. Rotary Food Drive & Community Pantry Support Initiative
Context:
Recent reports indicate a significant spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, pointing to ongoing local food insecurity. In Lake County communities such as Grayslake, Waukegan, and Gurnee, this need is impacting families, students, seniors, and vulnerable residents. The approaching school year and cooling temperatures often bring increased demand.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- School districts and faith-based organizations
Next Steps:
- Launch a community-wide food drive, leveraging Rotary networks and local partners for drop-off locations and logistics.
- Organize volunteers for food sorting, packing, and distribution, especially targeting weekends when need is highest.
- Work with food pantries and schools to identify and directly support food-insecure families (e.g., "weekend backpack" programs).
- Create awareness campaigns, both on social media and at local events, highlighting the prevalence of food insecurity and ways the community can help.
- Explore grant funding or Rotary District support to expand pantry capacity or offer nutritional education workshops.
1. Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event Support
Context:
The “Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event” will be held September 10 at the College of Lake County (Grayslake Campus). With a focus on connecting local residents to community resources and nonprofit volunteer opportunities, this event directly aligns with Rotary’s areas of community health, education, and economic development. This aligns with increased behavioral health and social services needs seen across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County. Organizations like CYN Counseling Center and local public libraries are actively involved in programming that supports family well-being and youth.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County
- CYN Counseling Center
- Grayslake Area Public Library
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partners)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Contact College of Lake County event organizers (Student Activities Office) to offer Rotary as an event sponsor or a resource booth host.
- Coordinate with CYN Counseling Center for post-event collaboration, possibly supporting their fundraising gala on September 26.
- Recruit Rotary and Interact Club members to volunteer at the event, distribute materials about Rotary service opportunities, and assist residents in connecting to local resources.
- Consider collecting feedback post-event on key unmet needs, leading into future Rotary service projects (e.g., food insecurity, mental/behavioral health, youth mentorship).
2. Waterfront Market Partnership for Food Security & Environmental Awareness
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina (September 26) offers a gathering point for local businesses, families, and civic groups. Food security has become a heightened concern in Lake County, and community health/environmental initiatives are gaining traction, especially with increased use of lakefront and public spaces post-pandemic. The market is an ideal setting for a Rotary-led initiative—such as a healthy food drive or environmental awareness activity (e.g., litter cleanup, recycling education).
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Lake County Health Department (nutrition programs)
- Local farmers/businesses at the market
- Illinois Beach State Park staff
- Local Interact and Rotaract Clubs
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Waterfront Market organizers (Waukegan Main Street, City of Waukegan) about securing a Rotary booth or sponsoring a community “fresh food for families” or “Clean Lake Michigan” day at the market.
- Collaborate with existing vendors for a healthy food drive, and invite local youth groups for hands-on volunteer activities (e.g., distributing produce, organizing a market-based litter cleanup).
- Promote awareness of healthy food, local environmental issues, and Rotary projects through interactive displays and handouts.
- Use market visibility to recruit new Rotary/interact members and connect with other nonprofits for future environmental or hunger-relief projects.
1. Lake Michigan Beach Safety & Environmental Awareness Project
Context:
Recent news reported "8-foot waves, dangerous currents will impact Lake Forest beaches," highlighting ongoing safety and environmental concerns. With changing weather creating hazardous conditions, the risk to swimmers—especially youth—increases. Additionally, high lake activity often leads to increased litter and strain on natural beach habitats.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Park District
- Local lifeguard associations
- Environmental groups such as Friends of Lake Michigan
- Local schools (e.g., Lake Forest High School Environmental Club)
- City of Lake Forest
Next Steps:
- Organize a series of community workshops focusing on water safety, rip current education, and environmental stewardship for families and young people.
- Partner with environmental organizations to schedule beach clean-up events, integrating educational activities about keeping Lake Michigan clean and safe.
- Seek collaboration with local schools for student volunteer participation and service learning credit.
- Develop multilingual flyers and signage with safety tips and environmental messages for distribution and posting at beach entrances.
2. Youth College & Career Readiness Mentorship Initiative
Context:
The start of the new academic year was marked by community coverage of Woodlands Academy traditions and Lake Forest High School's recognition as one of Illinois' top public schools. However, local disparities remain, particularly in neighboring Waukegan and Gurnee, where some youth lack resources for higher education and career planning. This initiative would support Rotary’s focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest High School
- Waukegan High School and Gurnee-area schools
- Woodlands Academy
- Local colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Area employers and business leaders
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with school counselors and existing youth organizations to identify student needs and interests for mentorship programming.
- Recruit local Rotarians and community professionals as volunteer mentors to support high school students with college applications, career exploration, and life skills workshops.
- Organize informational events and scholarship fundraisers targeting under-resourced students, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Seek grant opportunities and partnerships with local businesses to expand internship and job shadowing options for students.
1. Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Awareness Campaign (Community Health & Youth Focus)
Context:
A recent incident near Green Oaks in Libertyville saw a toddler and a man hit by a vehicle at Route 176 and Ashford Drive, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety—especially for children and families. Increased development, fast-moving traffic on major Lake County roads, and the start of the school year all raise the urgency for safety education.
Potential Partners:
- Local law enforcement (Libertyville Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
- School districts (Libertyville District 70, D128/Vernon Hills)
- Safe Kids Lake County
- Local hospitals (Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- PTA/PTSA organizations
- Local businesses near major intersections
- Village and County governments
Next Steps:
- Form a Joint Safety Task Force: Contact Libertyville Police and Safe Kids Lake County to discuss a community needs assessment.
- Host Pedestrian Safety Workshops: Organize “Safe Routes to School” walking audits and interactive assemblies at local schools in September.
- Public Awareness Campaign: Create and distribute educational materials (flyers, yard signs, social media infographics) about pedestrian safety, targeting high-risk intersections.
- Fundraising Opportunity: Organize a “Family Walkathon for Safety” event in partnership with schools and community centers to raise funds for crosswalk enhancements (signage, painted lines, flashing lights).
- Follow-up: Present findings and recommendations to the Village Board and Lake County officials for infrastructure improvements.
2. Community Mental Health and Resilience Initiative (Community Health & Education Focus)
Context:
The recent news surrounding immigration enforcement, public safety interventions, and high-profile criminal cases (such as a local lewd act near a school) can have a ripple effect on the mental well-being of youth and families across Lake County, particularly in diverse and vulnerable communities such as those in Waukegan and Gurnee. Additionally, the national discourse and social divisiveness can create fear, stress, and misinformation.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts, guidance counselors, and social workers
- Local faith communities and youth centers
- Community-based organizations focused on immigrant families
- Rotary Youth Exchange/Interact Clubs
Next Steps:
- Needs Assessment: Reach out to the Lake County Health Department and local school counselors to identify prevalent concerns.
- Mental Health First Aid Training: Partner with NAMI to organize free or low-cost Mental Health First Aid or trauma-informed care workshops for teachers, youth leaders, and parents.
- Safe Space and Information Sessions: Host regular “Community Conversation” nights, providing translated resources, child care, and confidential support for families dealing with anxiety, trauma, or uncertainty.
- Fundraising Event: Coordinate a “Lake County Wellness Night” or charity dinner highlighting mental health resources, with proceeds supporting school-based mental health programs.
- Evaluation and Outreach: Collect feedback, track participation, and work with local media (e.g., Patch, Daily Herald) to promote ongoing access to services.
By addressing urgent local concerns—safety and mental health—these Rotary projects will have visible, sustainable impact while advancing the organization's key areas of focus.