Certainly! While your excerpt from October 3, 2025, does not contain extensive details about specific local events in Gurnee, Waukegan, or Lake County, IL, it references several community-oriented and timely topics (government shutdown impacts, community discourse, etc.) that allow for the development of Rotary projects aligned with current civic and social needs. Below are two well-matched project recommendations, incorporating Rotary's focus areas and considering typical local needs in these communities:
1. Community Food Security - Emergency Food Distribution Initiative
Context:
With the ongoing challenges brought by federal shutdowns and economic uncertainty, many families in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, are facing heightened food insecurity. Local food pantries and organizations such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank have reported increased demand during similar periods in the past. Many government assistance programs experience interruptions during shutdowns, making this a critical time for community action.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries (serving Waukegan and Lake County)
- Township outreach offices
- Local schools and faith-based organizations
- Lake County Government social services
Next Steps:
A. Connect with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries to assess current needs and determine opportunities for collaboration on food drives, distribution events, or fundraising for essential supplies.
B. Organize a community-wide food drive, focusing on non-perishable goods and financial donations, leveraging Rotary’s network and visibility.
C. Publicize the initiative through local schools, houses of worship, and media; recruit volunteers from Rotary members and partner organizations for sorting, packing, and distribution.
D. Create a follow-up plan to assess impact, sustain relationships, and consider advocacy for longer-term food security needs.
2. Youth Engagement and Civic Education—Community Civics & Leadership Initiative
Context:
Given the political climate, frequent governmental shutdowns, and national discourse around civic participation, there is a strong need for local initiatives that teach youth about government functions, civic responsibilities, and leadership. Both Gurnee and Waukegan have diverse student populations who benefit from engaging, non-partisan education on how government decisions directly affect their community.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools: Warren Township High School (Gurnee), Waukegan High School
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Youth leadership organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YWCA Lake County)
- Local elected officials and civic leaders
Next Steps:
A. Reach out to the social studies departments at local high schools to collaborate on after-school civics clubs or host a “Rotary Youth in Government Day.”
B. Coordinate an interactive panel or workshop featuring non-partisan speakers (local officials, journalists, community organization leaders) to speak about the importance of civic engagement and public service.
C. Develop a scholarship or recognition program for student-led civic projects that address real community challenges (e.g., voter registration, public service volunteering, town hall forums).
D. Maintain momentum through regular youth club meetings, mentorship from Rotary members, and opportunities for youth participation in Rotary service events.
These initiatives both respond to urgent local needs and support Rotary’s areas of focus relating to community health and development, youth empowerment, and education.
1. “Solar for All” Community Energy Education & Access Initiative (Focus: Environment & Community Economic Development)
Context:
The recent news highlights the rollout of a new solar farm in Waukegan, designed to help residents save on energy bills. This is a significant development for the community, which has been affected by deindustrialization and high energy costs. Many families, especially in lower-income areas, may not be fully aware of how to access these benefits, participate in solar programs, or may lack the digital literacy to apply.
Potential Partners:
- Local partners: Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Public Library, City of Waukegan, Lake County Sustainability office
- Local clean energy organizations: Illinois Solar for All, Citizens Utility Board
- Schools: Waukegan High School’s ecology/environmental science clubs
- Businesses: Local solar installers (e.g., MC Squared Energy)
Next Steps:
1. Convene an initial roundtable with the City of Waukegan and Illinois Solar for All to understand current outreach efforts.
2. Develop a series of community workshops at partner sites (libraries, schools, churches) to explain solar energy benefits, energy bill savings, the enrollment process, and utility assistance resources.
3. Train Rotary volunteers to serve as “Solar Ambassadors” who can help residents, especially seniors and those with limited English/digital skills, enroll in programs.
4. Consider raising funds to subsidize “starter packs” for vulnerable households (e.g., energy-saving kits, LED bulbs, weatherization supplies).
5. Create a bilingual resource guide in English and Spanish.
2. “Safe Childhoods” Immigrant Family Outreach & Youth Support Program (Focus: Community Health & Youth)
Context:
Lake County school officials and parents are expressing concern about the well-being and safety of children in immigrant families due to increased fears over ICE activities, especially at school bus stops. Fear of enforcement can cause trauma, absenteeism, and social withdrawal among youth, affecting educational outcomes and mental health. There is a need for trusted community support, safe zones, and culturally sensitive education.
Potential Partners:
- Local partners: Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Catholic Charities Lake County, local school districts (e.g., Waukegan, Round Lake)
- Health organizations: Lake County Health Department, Erie HealthReach
- Houses of worship: Local churches, mosques, and synagogues
- Immigrant rights organizations: Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with school districts to organize parent/community info sessions about student rights, school safety policies, and available support services.
2. Recruit and train Rotary volunteers to serve as “Bus Stop Buddies” or “Safe Passage” monitors at targeted locations, offering reassurance and resources in collaboration with schools and neighborhood groups.
3. Launch a fundraising drive to provide school supplies, mental health books, and emergency kits to recently arrived or at-risk students.
4. Work with local nonprofits to establish a small emergency response fund for immigrant families dealing with crises.
5. Advocate for clear “Safe Zones” signage and messaging at schools and community centers in multiple languages.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL
Context:
A Lake County seventh-grader, Visharad Sathish, just won the regional spelling bee and will represent Lake County at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. With 73 local schools and hundreds of students participating, the spelling bee highlights strong student achievement and community pride in education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts
- Public libraries
- Local media (e.g., Lake County News-Sun)
- Area businesses (e.g., bookstores, educational supply stores)
Next Steps:
- Organize a scholarship or travel fund to help future Lake County students/families cover costs when qualifying for national competitions.
- Arrange an annual Rotary “Celebration of Academic Excellence” event with awards for spelling bee champions and other top students in language arts.
- Host preparatory spelling workshops at local libraries or schools, using Rotarians and educators as coaches and mentors.
- Publicize and celebrate student achievement through media partners to inspire other youth.
- Seek sponsorships and donations from businesses committed to youth and literacy, with proceeds supporting educational programming.
Context:
Waukegan is launching a new solar farm designed to help residents save on energy bills, acknowledged as a significant investment in local people and environmental sustainability.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan city government and public works
- Solar energy companies (e.g., local installers, ComEd’s Solar for All program)
- Community organizations (e.g., environmental nonprofits, neighborhood associations)
- Schools and libraries for educational tie-ins
Next Steps:
- Host an educational “Solar Energy for All” fair with hands-on displays, information on cost savings, and workshops for residents about accessing clean energy initiatives.
- Organize volunteer teams to help seniors or low-income families complete solar energy program applications or upgrades.
- Launch a “Green Schools” mini-grant challenge: fund small solar installations or green infrastructure projects at local schools (partnering with environmentally-focused student clubs).
- Develop a Rotary community fundraising campaign targeting matching gifts from solar businesses and donors, with proceeds expanding access to renewable energy or subsidizing costs for families in need.
These opportunities directly support Rotary’s focus areas of education, youth empowerment, community health, and environmental stewardship, while addressing current events and visible local needs.
Context:
A recent incident in Green Oaks involved an 80-year-old woman who was scammed out of $17,000. This highlights ongoing vulnerabilities facing local seniors regarding financial fraud, especially as these types of scams become more sophisticated. With Lake County’s significant aging population, there's a clear need for preventative education and direct community support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments (for fraud prevention speakers)
- Local senior centers (e.g., Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District senior programs)
- Public libraries (Grayslake Area Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Community banks and credit unions (to provide practical tips and possibly sponsorship)
Next Steps:
1. Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to arrange expert presenters and coordinate seminar schedules.
2. Partner with local senior centers and libraries to promote and host the events.
3. Develop and print easy-to-understand materials on recognizing and reporting scams, potentially in multiple languages.
4. Launch a fundraising drive to cover materials, refreshments, and transportation for attendees with mobility issues.
5. Publicize the program through social media, local press, and partner newsletters.
6. Evaluate the program through participant feedback forms and follow-up events.
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Grayslake, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, have reported a recent spike in visits over the past year. Families in these communities are increasingly relying on pantry services due to economic hardship. This aligns with Rotary's focus on community health and basic needs.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Community youth organizations (e.g., schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts)
- Local faith communities and nonprofits (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry)
- Major local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s) for donation matching or collection bins
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries for up-to-date needs and partnership guidance.
2. Launch a community-wide food drive, with collection sites at libraries, banks, and grocery stores in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake.
3. Organize “pack-a-thon” volunteer events engaging youth and community groups to package meal kits or essential goods.
4. Consider an online fundraising campaign to supplement physical donations—funds to be used for bulk purchases as prioritized by partner pantries.
5. Publicize both the need and the drive via local media, social media, and newsletters.
6. After the drive, share impact statistics to thank donors and encourage ongoing support and awareness of food insecurity needs.
1. Rotary Book Drive & Literacy Initiative (Aligned with Education & Youth)
Context:
The Grayslake Area Public Library is hosting a Fall Book Drive on October 4, signaling an ongoing need and enthusiasm for literacy support within the community. Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, features many families and youth who could benefit from enhanced access to books, especially as local news reports have consistently highlighted disparities in educational resources across the region.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (Contact: Friends of the Grayslake Area Public Library)
- Local schools in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Grayslake (PTAs, media centers)
- Youth groups (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts troops)
- Area businesses willing to serve as collection points (coffee shops, banks, etc.)
Next Steps:
a) Contact the Friends of the Grayslake Area Public Library to coordinate support for the upcoming Book Drive—Rotarians could help staff collection points, sort donations, and expand the drive to benefit schools and after-school programs in Waukegan and Gurnee.
b) Work with local schools and youth organizations to identify recipients for the donated books, prioritizing lower-resourced districts and after-school programs.
c) Promote a "Read Together Lake County" event (possibly at the library or a local park), featuring storytimes, free book giveaways, and literacy activities, uniting Rotary’s reach with that of community partners.
d) Secure sponsorships and donation bins at local businesses for broader impact and visibility.
2. Rotary Environmental Action & Community Harvest Support (Aligned with Environment & Community Economic Development)
Context:
Multiple autumn festivals, including the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market (October 4), Harvest Fests (Hawthorn Row, October 18; Hometown Harvest Fest, October 25), and Makers Markets, highlight the region’s thriving local food and artisanal scene. These events are opportunities for environmental education, support for local growers, and fresh food access—a pressing need particularly in parts of Waukegan identified as food deserts by recent Lake County Health Department reports.
Potential Partners:
- Organizers of the Grayslake Farmers Market and Harvest Fests
- Local growers and Lake County Food Pantries
- Environmental advocacy groups (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves, SWALCO—Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Schools with gardening clubs or environmental science programs
Next Steps:
a) Offer Rotary volunteer teams to assist with festival waste-reduction efforts (e.g., composting, recycling stations), highlighting Rotary’s environmental focus and helping organizers pilot zero-waste initiatives.
b) Initiate a "Harvest for Good" program by partnering with farmers and market vendors to collect surplus fruits and vegetables for local food pantries; create donation stations and organize logistics for pickup and delivery.
c) Host “Green Your Fall Fest” educational booths at these community events, featuring hands-on activities for kids and adults about recycling, sustainability, and healthy local eating.
d) Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund tools, bins, and signage for food rescue and recycling efforts and collaborate with local media for greater outreach.
These targeted service or fundraising initiatives align with Rotary’s areas of focus, address timely community needs, and leverage signature autumn events to amplify Rotary’s positive impact in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County region.
Context:
A recent neighbor news post highlighted Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board's push to increase awareness of local supportive services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Creating a more inclusive environment and expanding access to vital resources is an ongoing need in Lake County communities, including Gurnee and Waukegan.
Potential Partners: - Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board - Local disability support organizations (e.g., Gateway Services, Clearbrook) - Lake County schools’ special education programs - Local businesses willing to hire or train individuals with disabilities
Next Steps: - Organize a Rotary-hosted “Disability Awareness and Resource Fair” in Gurnee or Waukegan, bringing together service providers, employers, and families. - Fundraise for assistive technology or recreational activities that benefit local residents with disabilities. - Launch a volunteer partnership model where Rotarians regularly help at group homes or facilitate job interview workshops. - Seek joint grants with the Mental Health Board to maximize impact and visibility.
Context:
Waukegan to College, a local nonprofit, is preparing to host their “1000 Dreams Gala,” signaling a strong, ongoing need for college access programs for first-generation and underrepresented students in Waukegan and greater Lake County. This aligns with Rotary’s areas of focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan to College (contact for collaborative support or project alignment) - Local school districts and high school counselors - City of Waukegan Youth Services - Local businesses, especially those interested in scholarships or mentorship programs
Next Steps: - Coordinate with Waukegan to College to help sponsor or support their gala, or host a parallel “Rotary College Success Night” featuring workshops for students and families on college applications, scholarships, and financial aid. - Create a new Rotary scholarship fund specifically for students in Waukegan and Gurnee that can be awarded at the gala or during a dedicated Rotary event. - Recruit Rotarians and community members as mentorship volunteers for local students preparing for college or vocational paths. - Explore grant opportunities (including Rotary grants) to fund ACT/SAT prep courses or technology needed by college-bound students.
These opportunities leverage current local events, respond to community needs, and build robust partnerships while reflecting Rotary’s mission in Lake County.
1. Community Health Seminar: Addressing Rising Cancer Rates Among Younger Adults
Context:
Recent neighbor news reports that rates of some cancers are rising among younger adults in Illinois, with local medical leaders (e.g., Dr. Abbie Miller, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare of Illinois) raising public awareness. This is a pressing community health issue, relevant for Lake County, Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring areas.
Potential Partners:
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (especially Dr. Abbie Miller and her team)
- Advocate Aurora Health and NorthShore University HealthSystem (local hospital networks)
- Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville Park Districts for venue support
- Local schools (for youth-focused prevention/awareness components)
- American Cancer Society - Lake County chapter
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Dr. Abbie Miller and local hospital partners to co-host an educational seminar or fair.
- Plan a “Cancer Awareness & Prevention Day” with free or low-cost screenings, prevention literature, and survivor stories.
- Collaborate with schools to include a youth-targeted workshop/session on cancer risk factors, healthy lifestyles, and mental health support.
- Seek funding, volunteers, and marketing support from Rotary and community partners.
2. Safe Mobility & Youth Safety Campaign in Response to E-Bike and Scooter Ban
Context:
Libertyville’s recent ordinance banning electric bikes and scooters in public parks and the downtown area raises questions about youth recreation needs, safe alternative transport, and pedestrian safety. This situation represents an opportunity to foster conversation about safe mobility, environmental impact, and youth engagement.
Potential Partners:
- Local police departments (Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan)
- Village Boards and Park Districts
- Schools and youth organizations
- Safe Routes to School (national program with local ties)
- Local bike shops or e-bike advocacy groups
Next Steps:
- Facilitate a community forum involving youth, parents, local officials, and law enforcement to discuss the reasons behind the ban and explore safe, environmentally friendly transport options.
- Launch a “Safe Wheels, Safe Kids” campaign: provide bike helmets, safety training, and possibly sponsor installation of additional bike racks or paths.
- Collaborate with schools and park districts for educational workshops on safe mobility practices and green transport alternatives.
- Fundraise through a community bike-a-thon or “Wheels for a Cause” event, with proceeds supporting local youth programs or mobility infrastructure improvements.
Both projects align directly with Rotary’s focus areas (disease prevention; maternal and child health; supporting the environment; basic education and literacy; youth development) and leverage current local events and needs.