Here are two Rotary service or fundraising project ideas specifically aligned with recent news and key Rotary areas of focus for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Advancing Public Education Equity & Supporting Local Schools
Context:
A current letter to the editor addresses concerns over a new federal school voucher program and calls for Illinois to opt out, following similar moves by Oregon and New Mexico. This reflects ongoing local debates about public school funding, access, and equity in education, especially for underserved communities such as Waukegan and parts of Gurnee. As education remains a foundational Rotary focus, supporting local schools—especially those at risk of losing funding—can have a substantial community impact.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local PTAs
- Education advocacy organizations (e.g., Lake County United)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with school district representatives to learn about immediate needs (e.g., after-school programs, school supplies, classroom support).
- Organize a community education fundraiser or supply drive, raising awareness about challenges posed by shifts in funding.
- Create or support mentorship/tutoring programs for at-risk students, leveraging Rotary members and local volunteers.
- Advocate for equitable school funding at town halls and through community forums; partner with civic groups to host informational events.
2. Promoting Environmental Sustainability Through Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Context:
Recent reporting highlights the expansion of energy-efficient window and door options by regional companies, indicating local interest and momentum toward home energy savings and sustainability. Many older homes in Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, are less energy efficient, which raises both utility costs and carbon emissions. This lines up with Rotary's commitment to supporting the environment and building resilient communities.
Potential Partners:
- American Thermal Window (Chicago)
- Sahara Window and Doors (Niles)
- Lake County Sustainability Program
- Affordable housing non-profits (e.g., Habitat for Humanity Lake County)
- Local hardware/home improvement stores
Next Steps:
- Develop an educational workshop series on energy efficiency for homeowners and renters, prioritizing outreach in low- and middle-income neighborhoods.
- Collaborate with energy-related businesses for discounted materials or installation for vulnerable residents (elderly, low-income families).
- Organize a fundraising event to support an “Energy Stewardship Grant” for weatherization and efficiency upgrades in local homes or community buildings.
- Measure and share impact stories (cost savings, environmental benefits) to engage the wider community and attract additional partners.
Certainly! Based on the provided news highlights from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, there are several urgent community needs—specifically around immigrant support, youth development, and community health/education. Here are two Rotary service/fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Immigrant Community Support & Resource Fair
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community health, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, economic and community development
Context:
Recent reports highlight heightened community anxiety in Waukegan and the larger Lake County area due to the presence of ICE agents and associated "anti-blitz" rallies. There is growing concern among immigrant families—reduced parade attendance, increased isolation, and access barriers to essential services, including health, legal aid, and education. Elizabeth Marrero with Juntoz NFP is actively organizing community events, signaling potential interest in broader collaborative support for vulnerable residents.
Potential Partners: - Juntoz NFP (Elizabeth Marrero, Organizer) - Local community centers or churches (e.g., Holy Family Parish, Most Blessed Trinity) - Legal aid organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center) - Local clinics or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) - School Districts 60 (Waukegan) and 121 (Gurnee)
Next Steps: - Reach out to Juntoz NFP to propose partnership and co-host a resource fair offering health screenings, legal clinics, school enrollment support, and COVID/vaccine information stations (leveraging new Illinois state guidelines). - Recruit bilingual volunteers from Rotary and local partners. - Arrange meeting space at a church hall or community center in Waukegan. - Seek funding/grants for event materials, interpreters, and guest speakers. - Coordinate promotion through trusted community leaders, local schools, and social media platforms in English and Spanish.
2. Youth Empowerment Through Sports & Mentoring
Rotary Areas of Focus: Education, youth development, disease prevention and health
Context:
Local student athletes such as Mason Durst (Warren HS football) and Mya Hagi (Round Lake QB, flag football) are being spotlighted for revitalizing teams and demonstrating personal and community growth. These stories point toward the need and opportunity for ongoing mentorship, healthy recreation, and leadership programs for local teens—especially as sports programs are shown to foster engagement, academic success, and resilience. With the return and growth of girls' sports (such as flag football), there’s added momentum.
Potential Partners: - Area high schools (Warren Township, Round Lake, and Waukegan High Schools) - Local park districts (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District) - Youth outreach organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County) - Athletic role models (e.g., Mya Hagi, Mason Durst—invite as youth speakers/ambassadors)
Next Steps: - Organize a "Youth Sports & Leadership Day"—a free event or camp for middle and high school students, combining skills clinics (flag football, soccer, basketball), health/nutrition education, and mentoring workshops. - Invite local athletes like Mason Durst and Mya Hagi as motivators and trainers. - Develop mini-scholarship or equipment fundraisers to provide sports gear for low-income youth. - Recruit Rotary volunteers as mentors, coaches, and event helpers. - Partner with area schools and park districts for facilities and promotion; promote through school counselors and social media.
Both projects meet immediate local needs and advance Rotary’s core goals, while fostering partnerships and positive visibility in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County.
1. “Words for Wisdom” – Youth Literacy & Education Support
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish is representing the area at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlighting strong student achievement and interest in literacy among local youth. However, academic competitions often spotlight disparities in educational resources. Many schools in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake County serve students from under-resourced backgrounds who may lack access to tutoring, spelling/literacy clubs, or enrichment activities that foster reading and language skills.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local public schools and PTAs (e.g., Woodland Middle School, Viking Middle School)
- Waukegan Public Library and Warren-Newport Public Library
- Literacy Volunteers of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Contact Visharad Sathish’s school and the Lake County Regional Office of Education to create a literacy mentorship initiative where high-performing students can coach younger peers.
- Fundraise for books, spelling bee kits, and scholarships supporting new or existing school-based literacy clubs, paying special attention to Title I elementary and middle schools in the district.
- Collaborate with public libraries to host spelling and reading events leading up to National Literacy Month, engaging the public and raising funds for children’s literacy programs.
- Enlist Rotarians as reading coaches or spelling bee judges, connecting youth achievements to Rotary’s education focus while providing positive mentorship.
2. “Lake County Green-Up”—Community Environmental Clean-Up Challenge
Context:
As suburban development and industrial activity continue to shape Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, there are ongoing concerns about litter, river pollution, and sustainable use of public spaces. Spring is an ideal time for planting and clean-up activities, and local organizations regularly seek volunteers and sponsors for Earth Day events. A visible Rotary-organized environmental campaign would address community needs while aligning with Rotary’s environmental area of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan—Public Works/Environmental Committees
- Local youth groups: Scouts BSA, high school environmental clubs (e.g., Gurnee Youth Conservationists, Waukegan High Green Club)
- Environmental advocacy nonprofits such as Clean Power Lake County
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with municipal and forest preserve officials to identify “high-need” sites for clean-up, such as riverways, parks, and school grounds.
- Organize a spring Community Clean-Up Challenge and tree-planting event for April, inviting school groups, Rotarians, and other volunteers to compete or collaborate, with prizes for most trash collected or most trees planted.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., “Sponsor a Tree”) to fund native plantings, pollinator gardens, and supplies (gloves, bags, tools).
- Raise awareness about local environmental issues through educational booths and short talks during the event, connecting practical service with community learning and environmental stewardship.
Rotary Project Idea #1: Supporting Families Affected by Mental Health & Crisis Events
Context:
Recent tragic news in Lake County (the bodies of a woman and two children found in Lake Michigan) and frequent reports of missing/vulnerable individuals (e.g., Gurnee’s police drone use to quickly locate a missing autistic child) highlight critical local needs for crisis intervention, grief support, and resources for children/youth and families dealing with trauma, mental health, or emergencies.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Crisis Care Program - Gurnee Police Department (notably their First Responder Drone Program) - NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Local school districts (e.g., Grayslake, Waukegan) - Local faith groups and Grayslake Woman’s Non-Profit
Next Steps: 1. Contact the Gurnee Police Department and NAMI to identify greatest needs for children and families touched by trauma or mental health emergencies. 2. Develop a Rotary grant proposal or fundraiser (e.g., “Walk for Wellness,” “Dine & Donate” with local businesses like the new Yemeni coffee shop). 3. Organize training sessions for community members on trauma-informed care, missing person response, and grief support. 4. Partner with schools to provide educational workshops for parents and staff. 5. Publicize available resources through established Rotary and partner channels.
Rotary Project Idea #2: Food Insecurity Relief and Education Initiative
Context: Chicago-area food pantries are reportedly seeing a spike in visits over the past year, reflecting rising food insecurity in Lake County’s communities, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. With inflation and ongoing economic pressures, local families and children risk hunger, impacting community health and educational outcomes.
Potential Partners: - Local food pantries (Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries, Waukegan Park District’s food programs) - Schools (outing backpack programs for students) - Grayslake Woman’s Non-Profit (noted for health-related efforts) - Local businesses (e.g., Ray Chevrolet, Vine restaurant) - Farmers markets and grocery stores
Next Steps: 1. Convene a planning meeting with local food pantries and identify the most urgent needs (e.g., healthy staples, fresh produce, hygiene kits). 2. Organize a community-wide Rotary food drive and/or fundraiser, leveraging local businesses and service organizations as collection points. 3. Integrate nutrition education by offering free workshops at schools, libraries, or partner organizations—possibly involve Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts for digital outreach. 4. Launch a "Fill the Pantry" challenge event (potentially coinciding with popular local events or sports matches) to galvanize community support and drive donations. 5. Report outcomes and recognize partners at a community forum, building momentum for future Rotary-led initiatives.
1. Rotary Health Awareness & Support Initiative: Partnering with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Lake County
Context:
On Sunday, September 21, the MSABC of Lake County Kick Off is being held at The Ten Gurnee. This event is a rally to garner support for the American Cancer Society’s efforts in breast cancer research and patient support services, raising awareness and funds while highlighting survivorship and community solidarity.
Rotary’s Area of Focus:
Community health, disease prevention and treatment.
Potential Partners:
- American Cancer Society / Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Lake County
- Local hospitals and clinics (Advocate Condell, Northwestern Medicine)
- Gurnee Women’s Club
- Local high schools and youth groups
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the MSABC Lake County event organizers to discuss official Rotary sponsorship or forming a walk/run team, increasing local Rotarian visibility at the event.
- Organize a Rotary “Pink Out” fundraising event prior to the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds supporting local cancer support services and transportation for treatment.
- Mobilize Rotarians and youth volunteers to distribute informational materials at the MSABC Kick Off and offer translation for non-English speakers.
- Explore creating an ongoing Rotary grant, in partnership with local clinics, to support screenings for underserved women in Lake County.
2. Rotary Environmental and Community Beautification Project: Waterfront Market & Waukegan Harbor Collaboration
Context:
On Friday, September 26, the Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina brings together local vendors, families, and community organizations in a highly visible location on the lakeshore. Waukegan’s waterfront has been the focus of recent revitalization and environmental conservation efforts.
Rotary’s Area of Focus:
Environment, economic and community development.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Main Street & City of Waukegan
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local environmental groups (Clean Power Lake County, Alliance for the Great Lakes)
- Small business vendors at Waterfront Market
Next Steps:
- Engage Waterfront Market organizers to establish a Rotary-sponsored “Clean Water, Clean Community” day at the market, featuring beach and harbor cleanup drives and educational booths on waste reduction and water quality.
- Organize a “Plastic-Free Harbor” challenge among market vendors and visitors, incentivized by Rotary-donated reusable bags or water bottles.
- Involve local school EcoClubs to participate in hands-on stewardship activities coordinated with the market’s schedule.
- Publicize and document the event and its outcomes for greater community awareness and seek grant opportunities through Rotary to sustain harbor beautification projects year-round.
1. Mental Health Awareness and Access Fair
Context:
There is a recent Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board-hosted fair with agencies focusing on mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities (source: Patch, 2 days ago). Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, continues to see community needs around mental health access, stigma reduction, and resources for both youth and adults.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local agencies and clinics (e.g., Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services)
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest High Schools)
- YWCA Lake County, NAMI Lake County
- Churches, youth organizations, and Rotary youth programs (e.g., Interact)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Vernon Township Board to discuss possible collaboration or expansion to Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Organize a series of mental health fairs, integrating local organizations for workshops, resource tables, and breakout sessions for youth and parents.
- Apply for a Rotary grant or fundraiser (e.g., “Walk for Wellness” event) to support promotional materials, mental health first aid training subsidies, and free counseling vouchers.
- Involve Rotary members as event volunteers and advocates, leveraging connections with local schools and municipal governments.
2. Holiday Giving & Youth Literacy Drive
Context:
The launch of Vernon Township’s Holiday Giving Program is an opportunity to support local families with Thanksgiving baskets, meals, and wish list gifts (Patch, 2 days ago). Further, a recent local story highlights two sisters writing a children’s book to inspire “kids of all ages” and promotes youth literacy (Patch, 1 day ago). Lake County’s socioeconomic diversity means some children and families face food insecurity and limited access to books at home, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township
- Local libraries, especially Waukegan Public Library and Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee)
- Friends of Lake Forest Library
- Local schools (for identifying families in need)
- Rotary Interact clubs
- Family Focus (Waukegan), COOL Ministries (Waukegan food pantry)
Next Steps:
- Partner with Vernon Township to identify families in need for Thanksgiving and winter holidays; coordinate Rotary volunteers for basket assembly and delivery.
- Expand traditional food drives to include new or gently used children’s books, with donation sites at libraries and partner schools.
- Organize a “Books and Baskets” event: families pick up their food basket and each child gets to select a book.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses (such as Waukegan Tire, as noted in Patch) to underwrite food and book donations.
- Publicize the drive through local media and social channels, and engage youth Interact clubs as book ambassadors and event helpers.
1. Community Health & Safety: “Safe & Sound: Supporting Families with Autistic Children”
Context:
A recent report highlights the Gurnee Police Department's successful use of a new drone as a first responder to quickly locate a missing autistic child. This incident underscores an ongoing community need: families with autistic or special-needs children face heightened risks during emergencies, and require greater support, resources, and awareness from their neighbors and local institutions.
Potential Partners: - Gurnee Police Department (Chief Brian Smith) - Local autism support organizations, e.g., Autism Society of Illinois - Gurnee Park District or Lake County Health Department - Parent advocacy groups in Lake County schools
Next Steps: - Organize a community forum in partnership with the Gurnee Police to promote best practices for keeping children with autism safe and to introduce available technologies (like drones or Project Lifesaver tracking devices). - Provide fundraising to supply subsidized GPS trackers or safety kits to families in need in Lake County. - Host educational workshops or “Safe Spaces” training for local businesses, first responders, and teachers to increase understanding and preparedness for missing child scenarios. - Publicize via social media, Patch, and school newsletters to engage wider awareness. - Evaluate impact by tracking kit distribution, workshop attendance, and, over time, emergency response times for vulnerable youth.
2. Literacy and Youth Empowerment: “Lake County Children’s Book Festival”
Context:
Patch recently spotlighted two sisters who wrote a children’s book to spark inspiration among “kids of all ages.” This story highlights literacy, creative expression, and youth empowerment—timely themes as local children return to school and libraries offer programming, such as the Friends of Lake Forest Library Book Sale.
Potential Partners: - Local authors and illustrators (including featured sisters, if contactable via Patch article) - Lake County public libraries (e.g., Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, Lake Forest) - Schools and school districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville - Bookstores and local youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps: - Host a children’s book festival showcasing local authors, book giveaways, and interactive literacy activities. - Organize fundraising to sponsor books for underserved children/families, and provide mini-grants for classroom libraries. - Invite authors for readings and creativity workshops; partner with school art and literacy programs for student exhibits. - Coordinate volunteer readers in schools and libraries, emphasizing participation from Rotary members. - Assess the festival’s reach and success by books distributed, attendance, and feedback from attendees and partners.
Both projects address Rotary’s areas of focus—community health/safety and education/youth—while leveraging current news and emerging needs within Lake County.