Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on current events and needs in Lake County:
1. Youth Arts & Literacy Festival Inspired by “Hamlet Hears a Who”
- Context: Lake Park High School is performing “Hamlet Hears a Who,” blending Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss in a children’s play. This unique approach encourages youth literacy, creative expression, and community engagement through the arts. Many local schools face challenges around funding for arts, and an event based on this theme could inspire more student participation in creative education.
- Potential Partners:
- Lake Park High School District 108 (theater/drama department)
- Local libraries (Waukegan, Gurnee libraries)
- The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Area arts nonprofits or bookshops (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Lake County Arts Council)
- Next Steps:
1. Connect with Lake Park High School’s drama faculty and local school administrators to discuss collaboration logistics and event format (e.g., festival, open-house performances, workshops).
2. Secure a venue—school auditorium, library, or community center.
3. Recruit Rotary volunteers to help organize logistics, market the event, and coordinate literacy activities (book drives, reading circles, creative writing contests).
4. Seek sponsorships or donations for materials, and consider making it a fundraiser to provide books or arts supplies for underserved local schools.
5. Promote the event via school networks, local media, and Rotary channels.
2. Community Reentry Support for Families Affected by Prison Policy Changes
- Context: The Illinois Department of Corrections recently enacted an emergency rule restricting physical mail/books sent to people incarcerated, aimed at stopping contraband but inadvertently limiting access to family connection and educational materials. Families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County may be suddenly unable to send books or letters to loved ones, impacting prisoner mental health and family wellbeing.
- Potential Partners:
- Local legal advocacy organizations (e.g., Illinois Prison Project)
- Faith-based and reentry support groups (e.g., Love INC Lake County, local churches)
- Lake County Health Department (mental health division)
- Education providers (literacy councils, library outreach)
- Next Steps:
1. Host a Rotary town hall or informational session for families affected, inviting advocacy partners and corrections experts.
2. Launch a letter- and book-donation drive focusing on digital formats (e-books, educational subscriptions) to be delivered through allowed prison channels.
3. Organize regular support group meetings and “family connection” workshops for children and spouses impacted by incarceration, possibly in partnership with social workers.
4. Advocate for or help fund improved communications technology (video visits, e-message platforms) in county facilities, collaborating with corrections and community leaders.
5. Publicize the support services widely through social media, local newspapers, and direct outreach to school counselors and community health clinics.
These opportunities align with Rotary’s focus on education, youth, community health, and supporting underserved populations—all while directly responding to current news in Lake County and surrounding communities.
1. Youth Empowerment Through Sports and Mentorship
Context: Recent coverage highlights the achievements of local youth athletes such as Mya Hagi, the standout quarterback from Round Lake, and Mason Durst’s renewed passion for football in Warren. These stories demonstrate strong youth engagement in sports, but also show the need for broader mentorship opportunities beyond athletics, especially for girls and students from diverse backgrounds. With flag football and other programs providing a springboard, Rotary could expand support to nurture educational success, leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles.
Potential Partners: - High schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Round Lake (e.g., Warren Township, Round Lake High) - Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County) - Sports clubs and park districts - Waukegan Parks Foundation
Next Steps: 1. Convene a meeting with coaching staff, athletic directors, and youth organization leaders to assess needs. 2. Launch a mentorship program pairing student athletes with Rotarians and community leaders, focusing on both on-field and academic/career readiness. 3. Organize an annual “Youth Sports and Leadership Day” featuring workshops, guest speakers, and health screenings. 4. Seek grant support from Rotary International under “Supporting Education” and “Growing Local Economies.” 5. Offer Rotary scholarships and fundraising events tied to local high school sports games.
2. Addressing Immigrant and Community Health Needs
Context: Recent news from Waukegan references continued community events, such as the Juntoz NFP-organized parade, persisting despite fear and tension related to ICE presence and broader immigration enforcement. The anxiety impacting local families, especially in immigrant-dense areas of Lake County, signals ongoing needs for trusted community resources, health access, and support.
Potential Partners: - Juntoz NFP (Waukegan parade organizer) - Lake County Health Department - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center - Local places of worship with immigrant outreach (e.g., Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Waukegan) - Township offices and food pantries
Next Steps: 1. Partner with Juntoz NFP and Mano a Mano to co-host a Community Health and Resource Fair, providing free/friendly access to health screenings, mental health resources, vaccine clinics, and legal information. 2. Engage bilingual Rotarians and volunteers for outreach and translation support. 3. Launch a fundraising campaign for emergency relief kits (food, hygiene, basic medicines) targeting vulnerable families. 4. Coordinate with local schools to ensure immigrant youth receive educational and extracurricular support. 5. Evaluate and seek grants from Rotary International under “Disease Prevention and Treatment” and “Supporting Immigrant Families.”
These initiatives align with Rotary priorities—supporting youth and vulnerable community members—while responding directly to the current needs and news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative: Spelling Bee Sponsorship & Tutoring
Context:
The recent achievement of Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Lake County qualifying for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlights the academic potential present in the area’s youth and the popularity of literacy-based competitions. With 73 schools and hundreds of students already participating in the regional spelling bee, there’s clear community interest and engagement in literacy development.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Basic education and literacy
- Youth development
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Parent-teacher organizations
- Local businesses willing to sponsor prizes
Next Steps:
- Meet with Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss sponsoring next year’s spelling bee, including providing prizes and logistical support.
- Launch a Rotary-funded Spelling Bee Scholarship for local students excelling in literacy competitions, assisting with travel or educational materials for national contenders like Visharad.
- Establish a tutoring and mentoring program in collaboration with libraries and teachers, focusing on reading comprehension and spelling for elementary and middle school students, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
- Organize a community literacy celebration during National Literacy Month, featuring spelling demonstrations, book giveaways, and reading circles.
2. Community Health & Wellness Fair in Response to Trauma and Safety Concerns
Context:
Recent headlines report separate fatal crashes and law enforcement activity (including ICE presence) around Waukegan and greater Lake County. These events have heightened concerns over community safety, health, and well-being—particularly among families and youth. Offering resources for physical, mental, and emotional health is increasingly critical, especially for marginalized or directly affected groups.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Community health
- Peace and conflict prevention
Potential Partners:
- Local hospitals (Advocate Condell Medical Center, Vista Health System)
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police/Fire Departments
- Nonprofits serving immigrant and minority populations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Faith-based organizations and youth centers
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with representatives from potential partners to design a Community Health & Wellness Fair, focusing on public safety, mental health support, first aid/CPR training, and multilingual resources for immigrant families.
- Obtain sponsorships and in-kind donations (food, venue, printed materials) from local businesses.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for event-day logistics, outreach, and to host a booth educating attendees on Rotary’s missions, possibly including free health screenings or child safety ID kits.
- Coordinate media coverage and social media outreach to promote the fair and invite broad community participation.
These service and fundraising efforts will address immediate community needs while firmly aligning with Rotary’s core areas of impact.
Rotary Service & Fundraising Opportunities Based on Current Lake County, IL News
1. Community Health & Safety: Tech-Enabled Search and Support for Vulnerable Individuals
Context:
The Gurnee Police Department recently launched a drone as a first responder program, which was instrumental in quickly locating a missing autistic child. This highlights a growing community need to better protect and quickly assist other vulnerable populations—such as children with autism, seniors with dementia, or at-risk teens—when they go missing.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department (Chief Brian Smith or Community Outreach contact)
- Local autism support organizations (such as Autism Society of Illinois stakeholders in Lake County)
- Senior care facilities (e.g., Lake County Council for Seniors)
- Local tech groups such as the Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE)
Recommended Project:
“Safe Return” Kits & Awareness Campaign
Rotary can organize a fundraiser to provide resources like personal tracking devices, ID bracelets, or “Safe Return” kits to families with vulnerable members. An accompanying community education initiative can raise awareness, distribute kits, and provide guidance on what to do during a missing person event. Rotary can also sponsor joint safety workshops with the Gurnee Police and LCACE to train families and law enforcement on tech best-practices.
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Gurnee Police for a partnership meeting to coordinate goals and learn about the drone program’s needs.
- Connect with local advocacy groups for autism and senior care to identify needs and recipients.
- Plan and promote a fundraiser—such as a “Walk for Safe Return” or tech-drive—leveraging both Rotary’s network and local businesses (e.g., Ray Chevrolet could be a sponsor).
- Develop and distribute “Safe Return” kits in collaboration with first responders.
2. Community Support: Tackling Food Insecurity in Lake County
Context:
Recent local news (“Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year”) reports a surge in demand at food pantries, reflecting increased food insecurity in Lake County and neighboring areas.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County branch)
- Local food pantries (including COOL Ministries Food Pantry, Community Action Partnership of Lake County)
- Local businesses like Ray Chevrolet and The Vine (new Grayslake business with a civic focus)
- Young volunteers through school service programs (Grayslake Central High School)
Recommended Project:
Feed Lake County: Rotary Community Food Drive & Distribution Event
Rotary can coordinate a multi-week food drive collecting nonperishable goods, personal care items, and funds. In collaboration with local pantries and schools, Rotary members and volunteers can staff a distribution event in a central location to maximize reach. With record food pantry demand, augmenting pantry stocks and increasing public awareness are timely and critical.
Next Steps:
- Contact food pantry directors in Lake County to determine most-needed items and ideal event timing.
- Partner with local businesses for food drive collection points and event sponsorship.
- Collaborate with Grayslake schools and youth groups to recruit teenage volunteers and promote community service.
- Set up an online donation page, promote via Patch and social media, and identify venues (e.g., school gyms, church halls) for collection and distribution days.
These two initiatives—technological support for vulnerable community members and a comprehensive response to food insecurity—directly align with Rotary’s focus areas of community health, support for vulnerable populations, and youth empowerment.
1. Rotary Fundraiser and Awareness Campaign with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Lake County (MSABC) – Community Health
Context:
On September 21, the MSABC of Lake County is kicking off at The Ten Gurnee, 6161 W Grand Ave. Breast cancer awareness and support for survivors/patients remain vital in Lake County. This event is likely to attract a broad base of community members, survivors, and local advocates.
Potential Partners:
- American Cancer Society/MSABC Lake County
- Local health care providers (Advocate Condell, Lake Forest Hospital)
- Area businesses willing to sponsor or donate items
- The Ten Gurnee event venue for hosting and support
Next Steps:
- Contact the local MSABC chapter and The Ten Gurnee's event coordinator to discuss partnership and Rotary’s potential involvement (e.g., team sponsorship, refreshment booth, survivor honor tent).
- Organize a Rotary team (members’ families, Interact/Rotaract students) for participation in the walk and help with event logistics.
- Plan an onsite Rotary fundraising booth or activity (e.g., raffle, pink ribbon sales, health information) – with proceeds supporting the American Cancer Society and/or local cancer support services.
- Schedule pre-event promotion through Rotary, partner channels, and social media to boost awareness and encourage donations.
2. Youth Arts and Literacy Initiative at the Grayslake Area Public Library and Arts Alliance Events – Education & Youth
Context:
Multiple upcoming events highlight community arts and literacy, including the Canvas Mural Collaboration (September 27, October 12), arts fundraisers, book-binding workshops (September 24), and library escape rooms for youth. Grayslake Arts Alliance and the public library are fostering creativity and literacy but often need program support and funding for youth participation, materials, and outreach.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library
- Grayslake Arts Alliance and local art educators
- Schools (Grayslake D46, D127), Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local businesses (for supply or prize sponsorship: e.g., Bake Share at the September 18 fundraiser, Beer Bazaar art events)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Grayslake Arts Alliance and public library to identify programming gaps or scholarship needs for low-income youth (e.g., art kit sponsorship, workshop underwriting, transportation assistance).
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored "Art & Literacy for All" campaign: raise funds for youth participation in mural collaborations, art classes, and literacy workshops (potentially culminating in a community art/literacy day).
- Organize volunteers to assist at educational events, mentor students during workshops, and distribute Rotary-branded art/literacy materials.
- Plan a Rotary presence at upcoming public arts events, facilitating hands-on tables or book/kit giveaways.
Both projects align with Rotary’s focus areas by addressing community health and disease prevention (breast cancer awareness) and supporting youth development through education and the arts.
1. Expand Access to Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting Education, Youth Services
Context:
Recent news highlights an increase in mental health support efforts in Lake County. The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is hosting fairs and programs to address issues like school-related stress and to highlight agencies specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Additionally, as the school year resumes, there's a demonstrated need for helping students and families manage stress, anxiety, and transitions, particularly in underserved communities in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Lake County Health Department
- School districts in Gurnee (District 56, District 121) and Waukegan
- Youth-based community organizations
- Local healthcare providers (e.g., Endeavor Health)
Next Steps:
- Convene meetings with local mental health boards and school counselors to identify top mental health challenges for area youth and families.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored mental health resource fair in Gurnee or Waukegan, providing workshops, access to experts, and stress-management toolkits for students and parents.
- Fundraise to support ongoing peer counseling training programs and subsidize counseling costs for families in need.
- Partner with local high school Interact clubs for youth-to-youth outreach and destigmatization campaigns.
- Explore grant opportunities (including Rotary District Grants) to fund workshops, informational materials, and resource directories.
2. Holiday Meals and Gift Drives to Support Local Families in Need
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Economic Development, Maternal and Child Health
Context:
Vernon Township has launched holiday giving programs, asking for donations of Thanksgiving baskets, wish-list gifts, and meals for families facing economic hardship. With many families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County still affected by post-pandemic economic pressures, there’s an urgent community need for basic support during the holiday season. This aligns directly with Rotary’s tradition of hands-on service and mobilizing resources to address food security and child welfare.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Holiday Giving Program
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Churches and faith-based organizations
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire, grocery stores, bakeries)
- School social workers and family liaisons
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with township officials and food pantry directors to identify the families with the greatest need and to assess gaps in current holiday giving efforts.
- Launch a community food and gift drive, leveraging Rotary club networks and engaging area businesses as collection points for donations.
- Organize a volunteer-driven logistics effort to package, wrap, and deliver holiday meals and gift baskets.
- Offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to underwrite specific elements (e.g., turkeys, toys) and recognize their contributions.
- Publicize success stories and impact measurements to increase future engagement and to support grant submissions for year-round food security programs.
1. Community Safety and Support for Neurodiverse Youth & Families
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting Education, Community Health, Youth
Context:
A recent news story from Gurnee highlighted the successful launch of the Gurnee Police Department's "drone as a first responder" program, which was instrumental in quickly locating a missing autistic child. This showcases both an emerging community need (support for families with neurodiverse children and adolescents—especially around safety) and new technological partnerships in public safety. Many neurodiverse families experience significant anxiety about elopement (wandering) and crisis response.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department (and nearby police/fire agencies)
- Local autism advocacy organizations (e.g., Autism Society of Lake County)
- Special education departments at Gurnee and Waukegan school districts
- Lake County Health Department
- Local businesses for event sponsorships
Recommended Project:
Organize a “Safe & Sound” Community Safety Fair and Resource Drive, featuring:
- Child/family registration for “Take Me Home” type databases (for quick response if a child wanders)
- Demonstrations of police/fire tech (drones, Project Lifesaver, etc.)
- Workshops for families about emergency planning and community resources
- Fundraising for safety devices (tracking bracelets, door/window alarms) for families in need
Next Steps:
- Appoint a planning committee and reach out to Gurnee PD and Lake County Health Department for collaboration.
- Connect with local autism/neurodiversity organizations for expertise and families’ needs.
- Secure a venue (e.g., school, park district, or church community room).
- Seek sponsorships/grants for safety device purchases and family resources.
- Publicize via school newsletters, social media, and local media.
2. Mental Health & Wellness Initiative for Youth Amid Community Stressors
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Supporting Education, Youth
Context:
Recent reports from Libertyville and nearby towns mention several traumatic events (domestic disputes, missing persons, police/fire crises) and highlight ongoing community stress. Reports of ICE presence may create fear and anxiety among immigrant families and children, especially those in Waukegan and Lake County’s more vulnerable populations. Local youth are under extra pressure from these community disruptions, which can result in increased mental health needs.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department and Behavioral Services
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools—school counselors/social workers
- Local immigrant advocacy organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano, HACES)
- Youth-serving organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs)
- Local mental health professionals (private practice, nonprofit clinics)
Recommended Project:
Develop a “Youth Wellness Workshop Series” addressing mental health resilience, stress management, and resource awareness for middle and high school students (and their caregivers), especially those in immigrant and marginalized communities. Include:
- Workshops/open forums with social workers and trauma counselors
- Sessions for parents on talking to youth about stress, community events, and rights
- Fundraising for emergency counseling vouchers or support for local non-profit clinics
- Distribute resource guides in English and Spanish
Next Steps:
- Reach out to mental health partners and school districts to assemble a coalition and identify space.
- Survey students and families (possibly via schools or houses of worship) about specific topics of concern.
- Apply for Rotary District grants or local sponsorships for event costs and funds for counseling access.
- Create flyers in English and Spanish; use school and city social media to promote.
- Evaluate impact and opportunities for ongoing peer support or resource navigation groups.