Based on the submitted news excerpt, there are no detailed articles from September 8, 2025, directly reported for Gurnee, Waukegan, or Lake County, IL. However, drawing upon known Rotary priorities, community trends, and common needs in these areas, I recommend two service/fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Mental Health Support and Crisis Resource Awareness in Lake County Schools
Context:
Communities in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, have faced increased youth mental health challenges, worsened by pandemic aftereffects. School districts continue to report rising needs for youth mental health support, especially as students return to classrooms. Organizations such as the Lake County Health Department and NAMI Lake County frequently seek community partners.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit District 60, Gurnee-based District 56)
- Counseling and crisis intervention services (e.g., Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, Youth & Family Counseling)
- Local businesses for sponsorship/fundraising
Next Steps:
- Meet with NAMI and the health department to identify high-need schools and determine resource gaps.
- Plan a Mental Health Fair or resource drive at area schools, bringing together local providers, youth organizations, and speakers.
- Raise funds for “Calming Corners” or student counseling supplies for district schools.
- Enlist Rotary members and high school Interact clubs to help staff events and distribute materials.
- Use proceeds to support ongoing youth counseling and outreach programming.
2. Urban Tree Planting and Green Space Enhancement in Waukegan
Context:
Like many urban/suburban communities, Waukegan and central Lake County grapple with environmental disparities—especially lower tree canopy in disadvantaged areas, leading to heat islands and limited access to parks. The City of Waukegan and Lake County Forest Preserves have ongoing goals to increase tree cover and environmental education. Environmental projects are a key Rotary focus.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan Department of Public Works
- Lake County Forest Preserves and Stormwater Management Commission
- Local schools and youth groups (e.g., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school environmental clubs)
- Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District
- Illinois Extension, local nurseries
Next Steps:
- Meet with city and county officials to identify priority sites for tree planting or park enhancement in underserved neighborhoods.
- Launch a fundraising campaign for trees, planting materials, and signage (possible sources: local businesses, a community “adopt a tree” program, Rotary Club events).
- Organize a “Rotary Community Tree Day” this fall, engaging members, students, and families in planting and educational workshops.
- Collaborate with schools on a student-led tree mapping and care project, for ongoing stewardship of new plantings.
- Document the impact through community presentations and local media coverage.
Both proposed initiatives directly address Rotary’s areas of focus in community health, youth, education, and environmental sustainability, while fostering collaboration and visibility within Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Based on the reported news and current community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project ideas aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Support for Immigrant Families: Emergency Resource Drive
Context:
Multiple recent articles highlight concern in Lake County and the broader Chicago region over looming federal immigration enforcement actions and the cancellation of Mexican Independence Day celebrations due to fear among immigrant communities. The visit of Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, to the Naval Station Great Lakes underscores the urgency and uncertainty facing many immigrant and mixed-status families in the area. Many families may need immediate support (food, legal resources, healthcare guidance, etc.) as they avoid public spaces and local events.
Potential Partners:
- Local legal aid and immigrant advocacy groups (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Highland Park-Highwood Legal Aid Clinic)
- Faith-based organizations (local churches, temples, and mosques, especially those in Waukegan and Gurnee)
- Local schools and city social service agencies
- Police/social work community liaisons
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with key partners to identify top urgent needs among affected families.
- Organize a resource drive (food, toiletries, diapers, legal hotline flyers, etc.) with clear, discreet pickup locations in collaboration with partner nonprofits.
- Develop and distribute multi-lingual resource guides on legal rights and available services.
- Mobilize volunteers for distribution and to provide transportation support for families fearful of leaving home.
- Publicize the drive carefully in collaboration with trusted community leaders to ensure safety and encourage participation.
2. Youth Empowerment and STEM: Northern Illinois Air Show & Aviation Education Access
Context:
The Northern Illinois Air Show, recently hosted in Waukegan, explicitly aims “to inspire our youth to reach for the stars.” Exposure to STEM and aviation careers, particularly for youth from underserved backgrounds in Lake County, remains critical as local universities see declining enrollment and fewer students pursue technical fields. Many minority and lower-income students are underrepresented in STEM careers, and transportation or admission costs often limit equitable access to such events.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Air Show organizers and Waukegan Airport
- Local high schools (Waukegan High School, North Chicago Community High School, etc.)
- STEM and youth nonprofits (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Lake County Tech Campus)
- Local businesses/Rotary business members with ties to aerospace, aviation, or tech
- Notable local figures (e.g., Rev. Manuel Dorantes, who may serve as a youth role model)
Next Steps:
- Establish a Rotary scholarship or ticket program to provide free admission and transportation for local youth to the air show and related educational events.
- Coordinate with schools and youth programs to identify interested students and arrange group visits.
- Develop a mentoring roundtable or Q&A at the event with diverse aviation professionals, including pilots, engineers, and military personnel.
- Pursue grant opportunities from Rotary International or STEM education supporters to sponsor year-round projects like model rocket workshops or flight simulator days.
- Promote the program’s impact stories to recruit additional volunteers, corporate sponsors, and future mentors.
Both suggested projects address current local needs and align directly with Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting underserved or at-risk families, and empowering youth through education and opportunity.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Initiative
Context:
A Lake County seventh grader, Visharad Sathish, recently won the regional spelling bee against tough competition from 73 area schools and is heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This underscores the value families and the community place on literacy, education, and youth enrichment. Despite this, disparities in access to enrichment activities and literacy resources persist in Lake County—especially for lower-income families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Local businesses for sponsorships and donations
Next Steps:
- Contact the Regional Office of Education to express interest in supporting next year's spelling bees and related literacy programs.
- Organize an annual “Rotary Spelling & Literacy Festival,” featuring mini spelling bees, author visits, reading games, and take-home literacy kits.
- Use the excitement around Visharad's national participation to run a community spelling bee fundraiser or “Sponsor-a-Word” campaign, with proceeds supporting books and tutoring services for underserved students.
- Recruit club and community volunteers as spelling bee coaches and literacy tutors, in partnership with schools and libraries.
2. Environmental & Youth Engagement: “Great Lakes Clean-Up and Inspiration Day”
Context:
Waukegan recently hosted the Northern Illinois Air Show, aiming to “inspire our youth to reach for the stars.” Community events show strong participation when they blend youth inspiration with hands-on experiences. However, Lake Michigan’s local shoreline (Waukegan Beach, Illinois Beach State Park) continues to face pollution and environmental stress. Engaging youth in stewardship aligns with Rotary’s Environment and Youth Areas of Focus and responds to Lake County's ongoing environmental challenges.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan and park districts
- Illinois Beach State Park officials
- Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves, Waukegan Harbor Citizens’ Advisory Group)
- Scout troops, school eco-clubs
Next Steps:
- Meet with City of Waukegan and Illinois Beach State Park leaders to set a date and coordinate logistics for a shore and park clean-up.
- Frame the event as “Great Lakes Clean-Up and Inspiration Day,” combining clean-up activities with interactive STEM science stations, a youth “eco-inventions” contest, and guest speakers (including local pilots or air show contributors).
- Approach school eco-clubs and scouting organizations to ensure robust youth participation, fostering both environmental impact and leadership development.
- Seek local business sponsorships for supplies, participant t-shirts, and refreshments, and publicize the event as a model for youth-community partnerships in environmental stewardship.
1. Food Security Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent reporting highlights a significant spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, directly impacting Lake County communities including Waukegan and Gurnee. This trend signals escalating food insecurity, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus on Community Health and Hunger. Several local organizations, such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries’ food pantry in Waukegan, are under strain and seeking partnership and support.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries, Waukegan
- Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake area)
- Local businesses (for food drives and sponsorships)
- Area schools and faith-based organizations
Next Steps:
- Contact leadership at Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries to identify urgent needs (e.g., nutritious food, hygiene products, funds).
- Organize a community-wide food drive (“Pantry Power”) with collection points at schools, businesses, and Rotary meetings, targeting critical items.
- Plan a fundraising event (e.g., Community Cookout or Charity Walk) with sponsorship and local media to raise both funds and awareness.
- Recruit and organize Rotary volunteers for repackaging, sorting, or distribution days at pantry sites.
- Coordinate with local youth groups for additional hands-on service and educational outreach.
2. Youth Mental Health & Wellness Campaign
Context:
Recent tragic local incidents—including a fatal crash involving a young adult and responses to trauma by the Grayslake Fire and Police Departments—underscore growing concerns about youth safety, mental health, and substance use in the region. With Rotary’s commitment to Disease Prevention and Supporting Education & Youth, a focused youth mental health awareness and education campaign is timely. Programs can target early intervention, healthy coping, and substance abuse prevention, especially as the academic year ramps up and related activities (Sports, School of Rock concerts, Police/Fire “One-Man Volleyball Team” community events) bring families together.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health)
- School District 121 (Warren Township High School, Gurnee) and District 60 (Waukegan)
- Grayslake Police and Fire Departments
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local hospital systems (Advocate Condell, Northwestern Medicine)
- Local nonprofits specializing in mental health (Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force, NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Arrange planning meetings with school health coordinators and local law enforcement to identify urgent youth wellness needs.
- Initiate an awareness event, such as a Mental Health Resource Fair or “Wellness Day” at a community gathering (e.g., during a cross-country meet or car show), with free screenings, counseling signups, speakers, and informational resources.
- Fundraise and seek grant support to sponsor evidence-based mental health programming in schools, such as Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings.
- Collaborate with student leaders to develop ongoing peer-to-peer support and anti-stigma campaigns.
- Enlist first responder departments to jointly deliver safety and resilience education workshops for families and youth groups.
1. Community Health & Youth Empowerment: Collaborative Health & Wellness Fair
Context:
The upcoming “Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event” (September 10 at the College of Lake County, Grayslake) highlights an ongoing need for accessible community resources and volunteer engagement. Lake County, and towns like Waukegan and Gurnee, continue to face challenges relating to public health, youth wellness, and healthcare access, especially post-pandemic.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (venue and student volunteers)
- Local health providers (Advocate Condell, Lake County Health Department)
- School districts (Woodland District 50, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Nonprofits such as CYN Counseling Center and United Way of Lake County
- YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Reach out to College of Lake County’s community engagement staff to propose a Rotary-co-sponsored spring or fall Health & Wellness Fair with free screenings (vision, blood pressure, dental, mental health).
- Coordinate with youth-serving agencies and local schools to offer activities/workshops on nutrition, mental health, fitness, and substance abuse prevention.
- Recruit club volunteers and secure local sponsors for wellness kits and raffle prizes.
- Use the event to promote Rotary programs like Youth Exchange or Interact, and invite teens/young adults to learn about Rotary’s impact.
- Measure success by participant attendance, number of screenings provided, and youth engagement.
2. Environment & Education: Grayslake/Waukegan “Green Market Day” & Book Swap
Context:
The Grayslake Farmers Market, Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor, and frequent local book sales (such as the Used Book Sale at 31 Park Ave) show strong community interest in sustainability, food access, and literacy. Environmental stewardship and educational enrichment are ongoing needs in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
- Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE) for e-waste recycling
- Local libraries (Grayslake Area Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Environmental groups (SWALCO, Sierra Club)
- Market organizers and local farms/vendors
Next Steps:
- Propose a Rotary-led “Green Market Day” at either a farmers’ market or library event. Integrate three components:
a) Gently-used book swap for all ages to promote literacy and reduce waste
b) E-waste collection drive in partnership with LCACE/SWALCO
c) Family-friendly environmental workshops (composting, pollinator gardening, upcycled art)
- Coordinate with market management and library staff for scheduling and logistics.
- Invite local environmental and literacy groups to provide informational booths or demonstrations.
- Publicize the event widely in partnership with Grayslake and Waukegan community organizations.
- Evaluate project outcomes by tracking the amount of books/e-waste collected and workshop participation.
Each of these projects not only responds to recent local events and community needs but also aligns closely with Rotary’s major areas of focus.
1. Youth Mental Health Support Initiative
Context:
A recent story highlights the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board’s active efforts to help parents and children navigate back-to-school stress. The transition each fall continues to present emotional and social challenges for students and their families, especially after recent years of instability. Rotary’s focus on youth and mental health can provide added support for stress resilience and access to resources, particularly as new academic years start and social pressures rise.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (such as Woodland District 50, Waukegan Public Schools, North Chicago School District)
- Lake County Health Department
- Community youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps: - Reach out to the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to discuss collaboration opportunities, such as co-hosting mental health workshops or distributing resource materials. - Coordinate with area schools to identify needs for students’ mental health support (e.g., mindfulness toolkits, parent seminars, teacher training). - Launch a fundraising campaign to provide funding for school-based social workers or for in-school counseling sessions. - Organize an awareness event during the next back-to-school season with guest speakers specializing in adolescent mental health.
2. Swimmer Safety and Lake Michigan Environmental Awareness Day
Context:
Recent hazardous conditions at Lake Forest beaches—with forecasters warning of 8-foot waves and deadly swim currents—underscore the urgent need for water safety education. Lake Michigan is a treasured but sometimes dangerous part of local life, making education about safe swimming and environmental health a vital community service that aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health, environment, and youth protection.
Potential Partners: - City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department - Lake County Forest Preserves - Local lifeguard or water safety groups (e.g., Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project) - Scout troops and youth sports groups headquartered in Lake Forest, Gurnee, and Waukegan - Environmental organizations focused on the Great Lakes (e.g., Alliance for the Great Lakes)
Next Steps: - Meet with Lake Forest city officials and Parks department to discuss a joint Swimmer Safety Day, with stations for water rescue demonstrations, rip current education, and safe swimming tips. - Fundraise for the installation of additional safety signs or rescue equipment (throw rings, emergency call boxes) at high-risk beach access points. - Partner with environmental educators to provide information on how Lake Michigan’s health and pollution can impact swimmer safety. - Schedule the event ahead of the next summer season; incorporate both health and environmental activities, and seek support from local businesses for event sponsorships.
1. Safety and Support Initiative for Day Laborers and Home Maintenance Workers
Context:
A recent tragic incident in Libertyville involved a 56-year-old man who died while performing maintenance under a vehicle. This highlights the risks faced by day laborers, mechanics, and maintenance workers, many of whom may lack access to proper safety training and equipment. Additionally, the community has experienced increased ICE activity, which may make some immigrant workers reluctant to seek help or resources. There is a clear need for education around safe work practices, provision of safety equipment, and outreach to vulnerable immigrant populations.
Potential Partners:
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park)
- Catholic Charities of Lake County
- Local unions and trade schools
- Municipal fire and police departments (for workshop venues and trainers)
- Local businesses (auto shops, hardware stores—donations/discounts for safety gear)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with key stakeholders (including Mano a Mano, Catholic Charities, local auto shops, and potentially trusted members of faith communities and immigrant advocacy groups).
- Organize multilingual safety training sessions for home maintenance workers and day laborers.
- Fundraise and collect donations for basic safety kits (gloves, goggles, jack stands) to distribute at training events.
- Coordinate with local authorities and legal experts to offer brief information about worker rights and local resources, ensuring these events are welcoming and safe spaces for immigrant community members.
- Promote the initiative via community centers, churches, and flyers in multiple languages.
2. Youth and Family Traffic Safety Campaign
Context:
A recent accident involved a toddler and man being struck by a vehicle in Green Oaks. With increased pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular activity in the area—especially near schools and parks—there is a pressing need to enhance traffic safety awareness, particularly for children and families. This project aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting youth and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville
- Safe Kids Lake County Coalition
- Local police departments (for crosswalk safety and educational presentations)
- Hospitals such as Advocate Condell Medical Center (for pediatric safety education)
- Parenting groups and PTAs
Next Steps:
- Schedule collaborative planning sessions with partner organizations and school representatives.
- Develop a safety education toolkit (including reflective gear, printed safety tips, and interactive activities for kids).
- Plan and fundraise for “Safe Streets Days” at schools and community centers, with involvement from police, firefighters, and medical staff to lead demonstrations.
- Launch a public awareness campaign—posters, social media, and local news—to encourage safe driving and increase vigilance in school zones and residential areas.
- Measure impact via pre- and post-campaign surveys or by tracking pedestrian- and cyclist-involved incidents in cooperation with local authorities.