Certainly! Based on the content of the news stories from September 24, 2025 and the continued needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Rotary Community Nutrition Initiative: Cooking Demos & Healthy Eating Kits
Context:
Several articles highlight interest in nutritious, creative, and accessible meals (“How to transform frozen pizza,” “Brownies with no flour...,” “Beyond avocado toast”). This suggests ongoing community curiosity about healthy eating—potentially signaling a wider need for nutrition education and access to wholesome foods, especially in food desert areas of Waukegan and Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Libertyville distribution center)
- Gurnee Park District (for events/space)
- Local farmers markets & vendors
- Lake County Health Department (nutritionists/health educators)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Park District to discuss hosting “Healthy Cooking on a Budget” workshops, featuring recipes with local, seasonal produce.
- Enlist local chefs, nutritionists, and food bloggers (such as contributing writers Becky Krystal, Grace Carnovale, Don Mauer) for cooking demonstrations.
- Develop Healthy Eating Kits that include basic ingredients and easy recipes for distribution at partner food pantries and youth centers.
- Publicize workshops via school newsletters and community partners to target families most in need, and measure outcomes with before/after surveys on nutrition habits.
2. Youth Arts & Culture Engagement: Local Youth Music and Art Showcase
Context:
The community calendar and arts listings (e.g., Northside Brass Quintet’s local concert) reveal strong interest in accessible, family-friendly cultural events. Waukegan and Gurnee both have diverse youth populations who could benefit from positive, creative outlets that foster engagement, skill-building, and leadership.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee and Waukegan High Schools (band/music/art programs)
- Local arts nonprofits (Waukegan Arts Council, Urban Muslim Women’s Association arts initiatives)
- Jack Benny Center for the Arts (Waukegan Park District)
- Area service clubs (Kiwanis, Lions)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with school music and art teachers to recruit participants for a spring “Youth Arts & Music Showcase,” including art exhibits and student performances.
- Secure a venue, such as a school gym, local park, or community center.
- Apply for Rotary District Grants to cover materials, promotion, and modest scholarships/recognition for standout students.
- Offer refreshments and family engagement activities to draw a wider audience, and invite local media for coverage.
- Use proceeds and sponsorships to fund future youth arts programs, ensuring sustainability.
These projects are timely, community-centered, and closely aligned with Rotary’s pillars of health, education, and youth development.
1. Lake County Environmental Collection & Education Initiative
Context:
A recent Waukegan event collected items for recycling and proper disposal, highlighting both participation and a need for expanded environmental stewardship (“Waukegan event collects items for recycling, proper disposal: ‘A great opportunity to help the environment’”). As environmental concerns grow—especially regarding e-waste, hazardous household materials, and plastics—there is an opportunity to engage more residents in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County communities in regular, convenient, and educational recycling efforts.
Potential Partners: - SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) - City of Waukegan and Village of Gurnee Public Works - Local school districts (Waukegan D60, Gurnee D56) - Scout Troops and youth groups
Next Steps: - Contact SWALCO and municipal officials to co-host quarterly collection drives targeting electronic waste, paint, and hazardous materials. - Collaborate with schools and local media for an educational campaign about recycling, featuring youth-led presentations and contests. - Recruit Rotarians as volunteers and event organizers; offer Rotary-branded reusable bags or recycling bins as fundraising incentives. - Explore grants or sponsorships to offset operational costs and increase participation/reach.
2. Pedestrian & Youth Road Safety Support Program
Context:
The recent deaths of two pedestrians in separate Lake County traffic accidents underscore an urgent need for improved road safety awareness, especially for youth and vulnerable populations (“Three killed in separate Lake County accidents”). As students return to school and high school activities, traffic volumes and risks escalate.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Division of Transportation - Local law enforcement (Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments) - School districts (including parent-teacher organizations) - Safe Kids Lake County
Next Steps: - Launch a comprehensive safety awareness campaign featuring assemblies, workshops, and distribution of reflective gear to children and teens. - Partner with police to host “Walk & Bike Safe” events in school zones and busy pedestrian areas. - Organize a Rotary community fundraiser (e.g., 5K walk/run) to raise money for crosswalk improvements, signage, or traffic-calming devices near high-risk schools. - Engage youth in PSAs (public service announcements) highlighting safe pedestrian behaviors and involve them in designing campaign materials distributed across Lake County.
Opportunity 1: Academic Achievement & Youth Enrichment – Rotary Youth Spelling Bee and Literacy Initiative
Context:
The recent success of Lake County’s seventh grader, Visharad Sathish, who is representing the region at the National Spelling Bee in D.C., highlights a thriving interest in youth academic achievement and literacy. With participation from 73 Lake County schools and hundreds of students, there is clear community engagement around education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTAs (e.g., Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Local reading and literacy nonprofits (Literacy Volunteers of Lake County)
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education to propose a partnership, offering Rotary resources to help expand spelling/literacy programming. 2. Organize a local Rotary Youth Spelling Bee, supplementing existing efforts with scholarships, mentoring, or reading resources for participants. 3. Coordinate reading buddy programs, book drives, or afterschool workshops on vocabulary and public speaking, leveraging Rotary member expertise and volunteerism. 4. Publicly recognize students like Visharad, creating “Rotary Youth Achievement Awards” to further encourage academic excellence and community involvement.
Opportunity 2: Environment & Community Service – Rotary Recycling Drive and Environmental Education Event
Context:
A recent Waukegan event focused on recycling and proper disposal of items highlighted strong local interest in environmental sustainability and waste reduction. Community members attended to responsibly dispose of hazardous and hard-to-process materials, evidencing a need for both service and education in this area.
Potential Partners: - City of Waukegan and Waukegan Public Works - SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) - Local schools’ environmental clubs - Area businesses with sustainability goals
Next Steps: 1. Contact the City of Waukegan and SWALCO to collaborate on an expanded recycling and environmental awareness event, potentially hosted or staffed by Rotarians. 2. Develop educational workshops during the event, with Rotary volunteers presenting on topics such as household recycling, composting, and e-waste. 3. Recruit student volunteers from local schools, offering service hours and leadership experience for youth club members (potential Interact or EarlyAct club promotion). 4. Consider a small fundraising component (raffle, sponsorships, or a recycling “challenge”) to support future Rotary environmental initiatives or community green spaces improvement.
Based on recent news and community highlights from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary's areas of focus:
1. Hunger Relief and Food Security Support for Local Food Pantries
Area of Focus: Community Health, Economic Development
Context:
Recent news highlights that Chicago-area food pantries are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year, reflecting increased food insecurity in Lake County. Rising demand means pantries need more resources, volunteers, and community support.
Potential Partners:
- Local food pantries: Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan), Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake)
- Local businesses: Especially those highlighted in community events, like The Vine (Grayslake)
- Faith-based groups and schools: Possible partners for collections and volunteer drives
Next Steps:
- Reach out to leaders at local pantries to assess most urgent current needs (food donations, funds, volunteers, or specific supplies for culturally appropriate foods).
- Organize a Rotary food drive and fundraiser, engaging schools, local businesses, and houses of worship to collect donations.
- Plan a day of service with Rotary volunteers helping at food pantries—sorting, packing, or distributing food.
- Leverage Rotary’s public image by sharing impact stories and encouraging business sponsorships for matching donations.
2. Safety and Well-Being for Area Youth: School Bus Safety Awareness & Support
Area of Focus: Youth, Community Health, Basic Education and Literacy
Context:
Recent incidents in Lake County, such as a car crashing into a school bus in Round Lake Heights and pedestrian safety fatalities (as reported in Lake Zurich), highlight ongoing concerns about youth safety while traveling to and from school. Prevention and awareness efforts are needed to keep children safer.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts: CCSD 46, Waukegan CUSD 60
- Local police departments for safety training
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Transportation companies such as Falcon America LLC (in memory of Casimir Ries)
Next Steps:
- Initiate a partnership with local school districts to offer school bus and pedestrian safety education, potentially organizing assemblies or distributing safety kits.
- Offer to host a community safety event—“Safer Streets for Students”—featuring demonstrations by police, crossing guard training, and a helmet/giveaway drive.
- Seek sponsorship from transportation companies and businesses to provide reflective gear, signage, or additional safety materials.
- Engage youth (possibly through Interact clubs) as safety ambassadors for peer-to-peer education and engagement.
- Promote the event and share safety resources in both English and Spanish, considering the local demographic needs.
Both initiatives are timely, highly visible, and address real community needs in Lake County, while aligning with Rotary’s core areas of service.
1. Dementia Awareness & Support Initiative
Rotary Focus Area: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health
Context:
The local Senior Resource Fair and the Dementia Live - Simulation Training (Sept 25, 2025, Round Lake Area Park District) highlight an ongoing need: awareness, training, and support for seniors and families facing dementia in Lake County. With a growing elderly population, these services are critical. Community interest is clear from the event listings, and building on these efforts would amplify their impact.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (host site, staff expertise)
- Local senior centers and assisted living facilities
- CYN Counseling Center (collaborator, already active in mental health)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Round Lake Area Park District and participating organizations to discuss collaborative programming: expanded simulation trainings, panel discussions, and informational resource fairs.
- Use Rotary fundraising/donations to sponsor regular Dementia Live trainings, print resource booklets, and/or provide memory-care support kits for families.
- Recruit and train Rotary volunteers to help facilitate events, distribute materials, and coordinate outreach to underserved neighborhoods.
- Publicize through local libraries, municipal newsletters, and Patch/online event calendars.
2. Environmental Literacy & Access Through Lake County Book Drives
Rotary Focus Area: Education & Literacy; Environment
Context:
The Grayslake Used Book Sale (Sept. 27, 31 Park Ave), upcoming library workshops, and arts events speak to a community invested in learning and creative engagement. In Lake County, many children—particularly in Waukegan and some Gurnee areas—face limited access to home libraries or environmental/literacy programming outside school. The recurring book sales suggest both supply and local enthusiasm.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (logistics, drop-off/collection hubs)
- Waukegan Public Library (distribution in high-need communities)
- Local environmental groups (for eco-focused book donations, workshops)
- School districts and youth centers (identifying families and youth in need)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-led countywide book drive, prioritizing children’s and environmental books for underserved youth and families.
- Expand on the model of the Grayslake Used Book Sale: collect donations at farmers markets, libraries, community events.
- Distribute books at school open houses, Waukegan/YMCA outreach events, and after-school programs.
- Pair book handouts with interactive educational sessions on environmental stewardship, such as recycling or pollinator garden workshops, led by Rotary and partner organization volunteers.
- Seek sponsorships or grants to purchase new, diverse, or bilingual books focused on environmental themes.
Both projects address significant, current needs in Lake County—support for seniors with dementia, and promoting literacy/environmental awareness for local youth—and offer clear avenues for Rotary to mobilize resources and community partnerships.
1. Project: “Care Kits for Riverside Foundation Residents” – Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Context:
The Riverside Foundation in Vernon Township, a recipient of a local Mental Health Board grant, provides residential and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Organizations like this frequently benefit from community engagement through enrichment activities, donation drives, and awareness efforts. Rotary’s focus on health, community development, and inclusion strongly aligns with supporting vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Riverside Foundation leadership
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Woodlands Academy service groups (given their recent service initiatives)
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire for donation drop-off spots)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Riverside Foundation to assess their critical needs: typical requests may include hygiene items, sensory toys, and enrichment supplies.
- Coordinate with Woodlands Academy to engage youth volunteers in assembling kits or visiting residents.
- Engage local businesses to host donation sites or sponsor supplies.
- Plan a “Rotary Care Day,” with Rotary members delivering the kits and perhaps organizing a special event (e.g., music, crafts) for residents.
- Publicize the project to encourage broader community participation and maximize impact.
2. Project: “Safe Crossings” Community Education & Advocacy—Railroad and Traffic Safety for Youth
Context:
A recent incident in Lake Forest involving an Amtrak train and a construction vehicle, along with other local transportation-related accidents, underscores an ongoing need for community traffic and railroad safety education. Many students and families are regularly exposed to busy crossings and roadways. Rotary’s focus on supporting youth, public health, and education connects directly with proactive accident prevention efforts.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Lake Forest and Waukegan Police Departments
- Operation Lifesaver (national rail safety advocacy group)
- Local PTAs and youth-oriented organizations
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local authorities and Operation Lifesaver to invite their participation and resources.
- Develop a traffic and rail safety workshop for students, with an emphasis on real-life skills, awareness, and hands-on demonstrations.
- Integrate presentations into schools’ safety week programs, and arrange Rotary-led classroom sessions, interactive signage contests, or public assemblies.
- Distribute educational materials in English and Spanish to reach all families.
- Seek funding or in-kind support from local businesses to provide safety equipment (e.g., reflective gear, bike helmets) as incentives.
- Measure program impact through pre- and post-event surveys, and consider creating an annual event or school partnership for sustained safety messaging.
1. Community Safety, Youth, and Education: "Safe Streets for Kids" Initiative
Context:
Lake County—and specifically Waukegan—has experienced several tragic incidents recently, including fatal hit-and-runs and the arrest of individuals engaging in dangerous behaviors near schools (e.g., the child sexual predator incident reported in Vernon Hills, and the fatal hit-and-run in Waukegan). This environment has increased concern for child and pedestrian safety in the community.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District, Gurnee School District)
- Lake County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments (for education/outreach)
- Parents’ associations and local PTAs
- Safe Routes to School National Partnership
- Local businesses for sponsorship (e.g., Falcon America LLC, transportation firms)
Next Steps:
- Convene a task force with representatives from law enforcement, schools, and parents to assess current pedestrian and after-school safety concerns.
- Launch a community campaign and workshops on "Stranger Danger," pedestrian awareness, and safe routes to and from schools.
- Organize fundraising events (e.g., walk-a-thons, safety fair) to fund crossing guards, reflective gear for students, or educational materials.
- Work with local government to evaluate necessary infrastructure improvements (crosswalks, signage, better lighting near schools).
- Leverage Rotary’s visibility to advocate for ongoing city/county-wide child safety policies.
2. Community Health & Wellbeing: "Support and Recovery for Accident Victims and Families" Program
Context:
Several recent traffic fatalities—including the Mundelein woman in Waukegan and the executive killed in Lake Zurich—have highlighted both the prevalence of such tragedies and the gaps in immediate support for victims’ families. The emotional, financial, and logistical challenges families face after losing a loved one to sudden accidents often go unaddressed.
Potential Partners:
- Local hospitals and trauma centers (e.g., Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- Grief support organizations (e.g., Willow House, NAMI Lake County)
- Transportation safety advocacy organizations (e.g., Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists)
- Local legal/financial advisors willing to donate basic services
- Houses of worship and community centers for outreach
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with hospital social work teams to identify immediate needs of newly bereaved families (meals, transportation, legal assistance, counseling).
- Develop a Rotary-run emergency support fund or resource kit for families affected by these accidents.
- Host a fundraising gala or online campaign to sustain the fund, inviting community partners and local dignitaries.
- Create/host community forums on traffic safety awareness and victim remembrance events to foster healing and prevention.
- Establish a volunteer network trained in crisis response (with partnerships for formal training via local nonprofits).
These projects not only respond to urgent community needs but strongly align with Rotary’s commitments to community safety, youth protection, and health & wellbeing.