Certainly. Based on the (limited) Lake County news excerpts from September 16, 2025 and ongoing known community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project recommendations supporting Rotary’s areas of focus. Given the current lack of major breaking local news listed, these ideas reference ongoing needs and likely headlines relevant to this region.
1. Community Health & Nutrition: “Healthy Start Breakfast Kits” for Waukegan & Gurnee Families
Context:
The news emphasized the value of nutritious, accessible breakfasts (e.g., pear overnight oats article by Ellie Krieger). Food insecurity remains high in Lake County, affecting children’s academic performance and well-being, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee school districts where many students receive free/reduced lunch.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Waukegan Public Schools & Gurnee School District 56
- Local parent-teacher organizations
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan)
Next Steps:
- Connect with school social workers to identify families most in need.
- Collaborate with Northern Illinois Food Bank to design and source breakfast kits with easy, nutritious items (e.g., oats, fruit cups, nut butter, shelf-stable milk).
- Organize a Rotary volunteer event for kit assembly and distribution (potentially monthly, timed for winter break or after holidays).
- Offer nutrition workshops, in English and Spanish, with demonstration from local chefs or registered dietitians.
2. Environment & Youth: “Lavender & Native Pollinator Garden” Initiative
Context:
An article featured the history and benefits of botanicals like lavender, and the importance of healthful, natural options. Gurnee and Waukegan have prioritized green space improvements (see ongoing Waukegan Park District initiatives), and pollinator-friendly gardens both beautify neighborhoods and support bee/butterfly populations—an environmental and community health need.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
- Local high school eco-clubs (e.g., Waukegan High School Green Team)
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Master Gardeners of Lake County (University of Illinois Extension)
- Local nurseries (e.g., Pasquesi Home & Garden)
Next Steps:
- Meet with park districts to identify appropriate sites (schoolyards, public parks, library grounds).
- Apply for a Rotary District/Global Grant for startup supplies.
- Partner with master gardeners and youth volunteers to plan, plant, and maintain the gardens.
- Hold educational days for local families and students on pollinator conservation and simple ways to grow herbs at home.
- Fundraise via plant sales, garden tours, or sponsorship bricks.
Both projects foster strong partnerships, provide clear ways for Rotarians to serve locally, and address current spotlight topics and enduring community needs in health, education, environment, and youth engagement.
1. Early Childhood Literacy: "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" Partnership with Waukegan Public Library
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education & Literacy; Supporting Youth
Context:
The Waukegan Public Library has launched its "Show Your Card" and "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" initiatives, aiming to encourage parents to read with their children early and often. These programs are designed to foster literacy, strengthen family bonds, and prepare children for educational success. The community need is clear: boosting early literacy rates and increasing library engagement among young families.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library (Director: Sara Spiso)
- Local elementary schools and preschools
- Early childhood organizations (e.g., United Way of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Bookstores and publishers for book drives (e.g., Lake Forest Book Store, Barnes & Noble Gurnee)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan Public Library leadership to discuss a Rotary-sponsored expansion, such as funding book purchases, or organizing a community book drive.
- Develop Rotary volunteer teams to host reading events, help register families, and provide literacy resources at community centers and schools.
- Collaborate with local media and parent groups for publicity and outreach.
- Seek grants or matching funds from Rotary International or literacy-focused foundations.
2. Newcomer Integration & Community Health: Support for Immigrant Families Facing Changing Federal Enforcement
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health & Disease Prevention; Peace & Conflict Resolution; Economic & Community Development
Context:
Recent federal immigration enforcement sweeps in the Chicago area have increased uncertainty and anxiety among immigrant families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and across Lake County. Local advocacy groups are working to provide support and accurate information, but community needs include health access, legal advice, and safe spaces for families, especially children who may be afraid or disrupted by enforcement actions.
Potential Partners:
- Local advocacy organizations (e.g., HACES—Hispanic American Community Education & Services, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Waukegan Public Library (for informational events)
- Lake County Health Department (for health clinics/support)
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Arrange meetings with immigrant-serving organizations to assess their most urgent needs—such as hosting health fairs, educational forums, or providing care packages.
- Organize a Rotary-supported community health and resource fair, including free clinics, legal information booths, and family wellness activities.
- Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department and local medical providers for immunizations and screenings.
- Encourage Rotary volunteers who are bilingual or from diverse backgrounds to lead outreach and build trust.
- Explore opportunities for fundraising to support emergency legal aid or basic needs (food/hygiene kits) for families impacted by enforcement activity.
These service opportunities address immediate local needs, foster community trust, and align with Rotary’s core values of service, inclusion, and peacebuilding.
Based on the available news highlighting recent achievements in youth education (Lake County 12-year-old Visharad Sathish advancing to the National Spelling Bee) and economic/environmental developments (Gurnee Mills mall expansion and business revitalization), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities well-aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Achievement Support Program
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish’s advancement to the National Spelling Bee spotlights both local youth potential and the broader need for educational enrichment. Hundreds of area students participated in spelling bee sectionals, indicating strong interest in academic competitions, but many may lack resources for books, enrichment, and travel support for such events. Rotary International prioritizes education and literacy, making this an excellent fit.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (contact Dr. Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent)
- Local PTAs/PTOs
- Lake County public libraries
- Area school districts (e.g., Woodland District 50, Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Local businesses willing to sponsor prizes/materials
Next Steps:
a. Convene stakeholders (schools, libraries, parents) to survey needs and interest in academic competitions, literacy nights, and enrichment programming.
b. Establish an annual Rotary “Academic Excellence Fundraiser” to provide scholarships for students advancing to state/national competitions and to fund classroom/library materials.
c. Recruit volunteers to mentor students in spelling, reading, and public speaking.
d. Host community spelling bees or literacy fairs with the Regional Office of Education.
e. Create publicity highlighting honorees like Visharad Sathish to inspire involvement.
2. Environmental Stewardship and Community Economic Revitalization Initiative
Context:
Gurnee Mills’ announcement of new businesses underscores a crucial phase of local economic revival, as retail and public spaces adapt post-pandemic. Rotary can elevate such momentum by linking mall and community renewal with sustainability, fostering environmental education, beautification, and stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Mills management and new business owners
- Gurnee Environmental Commission
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local youth clubs (e.g., Interact, scouting groups)
- Lake County Sustainability Office
Next Steps:
a. Partner with Gurnee Mills to launch a “Green Mall, Green Community” event series: tree/flower planting, recycling education booths, and sustainable shopping expos.
b. Organize Rotary volunteer days for mall-area cleanups, planting pollinator gardens, and creating recycling stations on or near mall property.
c. Engage local schools’ environmental clubs to participate in youth-led educational stations during community events.
d. Collaborate with the Forest Preserves and municipal bodies to provide workshops on conservation, green business practices, and energy efficiency for tenants and shoppers.
e. Develop and promote Rotary Sustainable Shopping Challenges—encouraging eco-friendly habits with prize incentives donated by new or existing mall businesses.
Both initiatives are highly visible, collaborative, and directly address Rotary's focus areas of education, youth, environment, and community economic development.
1. Community Food Security Initiative with Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent news highlights a spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, indicating increasing food insecurity in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. This aligns directly with Rotary’s focus on growing local economies and supporting basic needs such as food security. With the continued demand, food pantries are seeking both supplies and volunteer assistance.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Roberti Community House (Waukegan)
- Local supermarkets and farmers (potential donation partners)
- Local schools for youth engagement
Next Steps:
- Contact the staff at Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess current shortages and high-demand items.
- Organize a Rotary-led food drive utilizing drop-off locations at community events such as the Grayslake Farmers Market or the MSABC of Lake County Kickoff at The Ten Gurnee.
- Partner with local youth organizations or schools to foster student involvement in collection, sorting, and distribution.
- Use club resources to provide matching grants or direct donation funds to purchase critical food/protein items for area pantries.
- Publicize the effort through the Patch event calendar and local community boards to boost participation.
2. Autism Awareness & Support for Missing Persons Technology
Context:
The Gurnee Police Department recently deployed a drone as a first responder, notably using it to quickly locate a missing autistic child. Community safety, youth support, and mental health fall within several of Rotary’s areas of emphasis. The incident spotlights both the vulnerabilities of neurodivergent youth and the critical role of technology in safeguarding them.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department
- Autism Society of Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois
- Local parent advocacy groups
- Tech sponsors for drone or tracking device donations (regional businesses)
- Special education coordinators in local school districts
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Gurnee Police Department’s community liaison to learn more about needs for missing persons technology, including funding for additional drones or wearable GPS devices for at-risk children.
- Organize an awareness and fundraising campaign—possibly at a Rotary booth during upcoming community events (such as the Grayslake Farmers Market)—to raise funds and educate families about available technology and local services.
- Host an informational seminar/panel with police and autism experts for families and educators.
- Explore opportunities to purchase, donate, and distribute GPS tracking bracelets or similar devices to families in need via local service organizations.
- Seek matching grants or sponsorships from area technology companies for expanded program reach.
1. Rotary Collaboration with MSABC of Lake County: Advancing Community Health
Context:
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) of Lake County is kicking off its flagship fundraising and awareness campaign with an event at The Ten Gurnee on September 21, 2025 (6161 W Grand Ave, Gurnee). Breast cancer remains a major public health concern locally and nationally, and MSABC events benefit ongoing research, patient support, and education. Rotary International’s areas of focus include disease prevention and treatment–making this an ideal opportunity.
Potential Partners: - MSABC of Lake County / American Cancer Society: As the primary event organizer. - Local healthcare organizations and hospitals: Advocate Condell, Northwestern Lake Forest. - Gurnee-area businesses: For sponsorships, in-kind donations, or raffle items. - Local schools: For youth volunteers and outreach. - Waukegan and Gurnee Rotary Clubs: As organizing and volunteer bodies.
Next Steps: 1. Connect with MSABC of Lake County organizers to discuss partnership options (team formation, volunteering, fundraising). 2. Recruit Rotary members and community volunteers to form a Rotary team for the walk and volunteer at the event. 3. Leverage club networks to secure local sponsors, in-kind support (food, water, prizes), and promote mammography screenings. 4. Plan an educational “Health Fair” booth at the kickoff, offering free information and resources on cancer prevention. 5. Document and share Rotary involvement via social media and local press to raise awareness and spur continued Rotary-community cooperation throughout the year.
2. Senior Resource Fair and Dementia Awareness Initiative: Supporting Vulnerable Adults
Context:
On September 25, 2025, the Sports Center at the Round Lake Area Park District (2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach) is hosting a Senior Resource Fair, immediately followed by “Dementia Live” Simulation Training. With Lake County’s aging population and the increasing prevalence of dementia, there’s a pressing need for awareness, support, and accessible resources. Rotary focuses on supporting education and community health, including vulnerable elder care.
Potential Partners: - Round Lake Area Park District: Fair organizer and key outreach point. - Dementia Live (AGE-u-cate Training Institute or similar provider): For hands-on training and education. - CYN Counseling Center (Mundelein): For mental health and caregiver support. - Advocate Aurora Health, Lake County Health Department: Local providers of senior care and dementia support services. - Lake County Libraries and Senior Centers: For outreach and workshop venues. - Grayslake, Waukegan, and Gurnee Rotary Clubs: To provide volunteers and resources.
Next Steps: 1. Engage with the Senior Resource Fair coordinators to set up a Rotary booth focused on dementia awareness, free memory screenings, and elderly support resources. 2. Sponsor and promote Dementia Live Simulation Training to raise community understanding of dementia’s daily challenges. 3. Partner with local health providers and libraries to develop ongoing caregiver support groups, informative workshops, and resource guides. 4. Mobilize Rotary volunteers to assist seniors at the fair, facilitate training logistics, and conduct outreach to isolated or underserved elders. 5. Develop a follow-up plan for continuous engagement, such as quarterly seminars or intergenerational community service days.
These opportunities directly support Rotary’s mission and will respond to pressing community needs in Lake County.
Project Idea 1: Mental Health Resource and Youth Education Initiative
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is hosting mental health fairs and working with agencies specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. As awareness and demand for youth and family mental health support grows, there are clear opportunities in Lake County—including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas—to expand access to education, destigmatization, and resource connection. This aligns with Rotary’s Community Health and Youth areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Agencies present at the Vernon Twp. Mental Health Fair
- Lake County Health Department
- Youth-focused organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Woodlands Academy and other area high schools
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to discuss expanding their mental health fair model or piloting youth-centered mental health forums in Gurnee and Waukegan schools.
2. Organize a Rotary-backed mental health education event with workshops on anxiety, depression, and coping skills, as well as onsite connections to local counseling resources.
3. Fundraise or apply for grants to provide resource kits or subsidized counseling for youth and families.
4. Engage Rotary volunteers to help with event logistics, student outreach, and community awareness campaigns.
5. Partner with school social workers for ongoing support and program assessment.
Project Idea 2: Holiday Giving and Food Security Campaign
Context:
Vernon Township and area organizations are launching holiday giving programs to support local families with Thanksgiving baskets, wish list gifts, and meals. With food insecurity and financial stress heightened during the holidays in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding Lake County, the need for sustainable support aligns with Rotary’s areas of Community Development and Disease Prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Holiday Giving Program
- Local food pantries (Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Faith-based organizations and civic groups
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire, Windy City Sweets)
- Rotary Interact/Rotaract youth clubs
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with Vernon Township to identify gaps in food basket or gift distribution, particularly serving under-reached families in Waukegan and Gurnee.
2. Launch a Rotary holiday drive—collecting food, household essentials, and gifts via local businesses, schools, and places of worship.
3. Host a volunteer service day for sorting and delivering donations, inviting Interact/Rotaract youth and community members to participate.
4. Collaborate with food banks and pantries to provide weekly meal kits over the holidays, not just one-time baskets.
5. Evaluate post-holiday needs to determine if a winter break meal or supplemental gift program is warranted, transitioning to ongoing support if necessary.
These two efforts address direct community needs, leverage Rotary’s strengths, and provide immediate, tangible impact for families and youth throughout Lake County.
Certainly! Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, two areas of acute community need stand out: support for vulnerable older adults (fraud prevention/safety) and community health (vaccine access and information). Here are two Rotary service project ideas with context, potential partners, and actionable next steps:
Context:
Recent reports highlight a growing problem: a Vernon Hills police investigation of a scam in which an elderly woman lost $27,000. Authorities believe more seniors may be at risk, underlining a broader trend of financial exploitation against older adults in Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Local police departments (Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan) - Lake County Senior Services - AARP Illinois - Local banks/credit unions (for fraud prevention education) - Senior centers and assisted living facilities
Next Steps: 1. Reach Out to Law Enforcement: Contact Vernon Hills and surrounding police departments to discuss partnership for a seminar series on scams and personal safety. 2. Connect with Senior Service Providers: Coordinate with Lake County Senior Services and AARP for resources and to reach the target audience. 3. Schedule Workshop Locations: Reserve space at community centers, libraries, or senior housing. 4. Develop Educational Materials: Partner with local banks to create and distribute brochures/flyers about common scams and prevention tips. 5. Publicize the Events: Use social media, flyers, and community calendars to maximize awareness. 6. Explore Follow-Up: Establish a “Rotary Help Line” or peer-support volunteer program for seniors needing ongoing advice or assistance.
Context:
With Gov. Pritzker’s recent executive order to defend vaccine access amid shifting federal guidance, there is high relevance—and likely local confusion—regarding vaccine availability and eligibility. This is especially important in diverse, high-need communities within Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Endeavor Health Systems (noted as a community partner in local event listings) - Local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, independent stores) - School districts and local PTAs - Faith-based organizations and community centers
Next Steps: 1. Meet with the Lake County Health Department: Gauge current gaps in vaccine outreach and education, particularly for flu, COVID-19, and other important immunizations. 2. Identify Outreach Locations: Find strategic sites (schools, churches, parks, libraries) with high foot traffic to host pop-up clinics or information booths. 3. Coordinate with Healthcare Professionals: Partner with Endeavor Health and local pharmacies for on-site vaccine administration and Q&A sessions. 4. Create Multilingual Educational Materials: Ensure resources meet the needs of diverse populations, including Spanish- and Polish-speaking residents. 5. Plan and Promote Events: Use Rotary’s network, local media, and social channels for maximum visibility. 6. Evaluate Impact: Collect feedback from participants and partners to improve future outreach.
These service projects address acute local issues—elder safety/fraud and equitable health access—while aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus in community health, supporting the elderly, and disease prevention. Both projects can strengthen community trust and Rotary’s visibility as a responsive, action-oriented service organization.