Based on the available news excerpts from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL (October 26, 2025), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and the needs that emerge from the community context:
1. Safe Homes and Legal Advocacy for Local Families
Context:
A recent submitted question and news story highlight issues with improperly installed gas lines in housing (e.g., Barry Stone’s column about unsafe condo gas lines and seller misrepresentation). This points to ongoing challenges with home safety, tenant education, legal resources, and ensuring that families—particularly low-income and immigrant families—can access support regarding safe living environments and real estate issues.
Potential Partners:
- Prairie State Legal Services (provides free legal help in housing matters)
- Lake County Housing Authority
- Local home inspectors and licensed contractors
- Town/municipal housing departments
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Safe Homes” community workshop in Waukegan or Gurnee, offering free home safety inspections, legal Q&As on tenants’ rights, and information on safe utilities installation.
- Use the event as a service opportunity and a fundraiser: Accept donations to subsidize safety improvements for low-income families.
- Promote partnership with local legal aid orgs and the county housing authority to broaden impact and legitimacy.
- Gather sponsorships from home improvement businesses for materials and volunteer hours.
2. Youth Civic Engagement and “How Government Works” Forums
Context:
Multiple Letters to the Editor and syndicated columns focus on political disengagement, government impasses, and the confusion facing voters. This reflects a nationwide and local need for civic education—especially among youth—to address polarization and equip emerging voters with the knowledge to participate meaningfully in the political process.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools and community colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Lake County Clerk’s Office (elections division)
- League of Women Voters, Lake County Chapter
- Public libraries (Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring towns)
Next Steps:
- Launch a “Rotary Youth Civic Day” including:
- Panels with local officials (mayors, clerks, county board members)
- Mock elections at area high schools
- Workshops on media literacy and fact-checking (collaborating with journalists/columnists like those featured in the local paper)
- Develop an annual scholarship or essay contest for students who propose solutions to pressing issues facing Lake County.
- Publicize the event and fundraising links to the broader community, framing it as an investment in community leadership and informed voting.
These projects connect directly to Rotary’s focus on community health (by ensuring safe homes) and education/youth development (by fostering civic knowledge and participation). Both can begin as one-day initiatives and become recurring programs with community and business support.
Rotary Service/Fundraising Opportunities for Lake County, IL—Fall 2025
Context:
Recent news highlights unprecedented federal immigration enforcement in Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, with multiple high-profile arrests and heightened fear among immigrant families. Local officials, church leaders (such as Cardinal Cupich and Rev. from the Waukegan church), and community organizers (e.g., Callie Slater) have rallied in support of these residents, stressing unity and compassion. Many families are reportedly seeking remote learning options for their children due to fear of federal activity near schools.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
- Community Health
- Education
- Basic Needs
Potential Partners:
- Faith organizations (e.g., Waukegan churches, local clergy coalitions)
- Waukegan Public Schools District 60 and area schools
- Abbott (which already has outreach initiatives locally)
- Legal aid organizations and immigrants’ rights groups (such as the local branch of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
- Local food pantries and shelters
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with community faith leaders, educators, and existing service organizations to identify urgent needs (legal clinics, food security, mental health resources, safe space drop-ins for affected children/families, educational support).
- Organize a community resource fair or recurring support event, anchored at a safe and trusted institution (such as a church or community center), offering:
- Know Your Rights legal workshops/literature
- Emergency food, household supplies, school materials
- Emotional wellness sessions or counseling support
- Technology and internet access for students needing remote learning
- Fundraise to supply food, legal support grants, and trauma counseling—incorporate both online/digital fundraising and an in-person benefit (potentially performances, youth art, or food tastings).
- Publicly partner with trusted local voices (names above) to build trust and engagement within apprehensive communities.
Context:
Recent news celebrates the Waukegan church’s urban tree planting, noting the high cost per tree ($500–$700) and the positive community response (“Trees offer us hope”—Rev.). There’s also news about local efforts toward solar power adoption, rising concern around large-scale developments like the Grayslake data center, and active advocacy in Lake Bluff for responsible pesticide/garden regulation. These stories indicate strong local interest in environmental action, education, and addressing urban equity in green access.
Rotary Areas of Focus:
- Environment
- Community Development
- Education
- Youth Engagement
Potential Partners:
- The Waukegan church leading tree plantings
- Local schools for environmental curricula and youth engagement
- Lake Bluff Open Lands Association (model from their Community Wildlife Habitat status)
- Municipal governments/park districts, Waukegan Park District
- Local garden clubs, nurseries, businesses willing to sponsor trees or supplies
- Solar energy nonprofits or businesses (for education crossover)
Next Steps:
- Launch a campaign—“Trees for Tomorrow: Greening Our Neighborhoods”—to purchase, plant, and maintain new trees in underserved Waukegan blocks, in consultation with the church and city forestry officials.
- Organize environmental education days in partnership with schools, including youth-led planting events, classes on local ecology, and solar sustainability demonstrations (potentially with energy companies promoting new programs).
- Secure fundraising commitments (corporate sponsorship, public crowdfunding, Rotary grants) to bring the cost down for each tree, with naming opportunities or commemorative plaques for donors.
- Develop ongoing stewardship teams among youth, local residents, and Rotarians to care for new plantings and lead awareness campaigns about pesticide reduction, biodiversity, and the value of urban forestry.
Both projects address pressing community needs and provide robust engagement in line with Rotary values and areas of focus.
1. Youth Achievement & Literacy Support – “Champion Spellers” Literacy Fundraiser/Initiative
Context:
Seventh grader Visharad Sathish from Lake County recently won a 45-round regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights the presence of talented youth and the important role of literacy and academic competitions in the community. However, not all students may have access to the necessary enrichment programs or support.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education - Local schools (public and private) - Gurnee and Waukegan libraries - Local businesses (to sponsor prizes or provide venues)
Next Steps: - Organize an annual “Champion Spellers” event to celebrate literacy and academic excellence, featuring spelling bees, literacy games, and workshops. - Launch a fundraising campaign (corporate sponsors, Rotary Club events, online donations) to support participation costs for students traveling to competitions (such as travel for national competitions) and to fund books or software for under-resourced schools. - Collaborate with libraries and education offices to identify students who could benefit from extra tutoring or financial assistance. - Promote the program through local media, Rotary Club connections, and school newsletters.
2. Community Mental Health Awareness & Support – Youth Stress Relief Workshops
Context:
Lake County’s recent focus on academic achievement (as seen with the spelling bee marathon) also brings attention to the stress and pressure students face. Extended academic competitions, combined with ongoing concerns about adolescent mental health post-pandemic, make youth wellness a priority in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services - School counselors and psychologists in Waukegan and Gurnee districts - Youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Roberti Community House) - Local mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps: - Plan a series of workshops in partnership with mental health professionals, focusing on stress management, resilience, and supportive peer strategies for middle and high school students. - Explore a funding drive or “Walk for Wellness” event to provide resources (like mindfulness materials, mental health first aid training for educators, or support groups). - Promote events through school networks, social media, and youth sports or extracurricular programs. - Evaluate outcomes with surveys to both raise awareness and establish ongoing mental health support aligned with Rotary’s disease prevention and youth development focus.
1. Community Health: Support for Local Food Pantries and Nutrition Access
Context: According to recent coverage, Chicago-area food pantries, including those likely serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and all of Lake County, are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year. This signals a clear and growing community need for food stability and healthy nutrition access—aligning with Rotary International's focus on disease prevention, community health, and supporting basic needs.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan, Avon Township Community Food Pantry) - Lake County Health Department - Grayslake Woman’s Non-Profit (profiled for supporting sick patients—possible collaboration)
Next Steps: - Contact the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to determine current shortages and high-demand items. - Organize a “Rotary Food & Wellness Drive” with dual goals: collecting healthy shelf-stable food and hygiene products, and providing resource information on nutrition (possibly in partnership with the Lake County Health Department). - Recruit volunteers for packing/distribution days and set up collection sites at prominent community events (like the Lake County Home Show). - Create a fundraising component to support the purchase of nutritionally balanced groceries and fresh produce. - Invite community groups, businesses, and schools to co-sponsor or host satellite collection events.
2. Youth and Community Wellbeing: Safe Teen Driving and Mental Wellness Initiative
Context: The tragic recent motorcycle crash in Grayslake resulting in the death of a 19-year-old, alongside previous news of distracted walking/phone usage, highlights persistent youth safety and mental wellbeing challenges in Lake County. With area high schools (e.g., Grayslake Central and North, Warren Township, Waukegan HS) currently in sports season, and youth community engagement peak, there is an opportunity for preventive education and support around both safe driving and mental health.
Potential Partners: - Local High Schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) - Lake County Sheriff’s Department / Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments - Lake County Mental Health Coalition or Youth Services Bureau - Trauma care teams from Advocate Condell Medical Center or Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Next Steps: - Collaborate with local high schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to develop an interactive “Safe Steps for Youth” event (assemblies, workshops, resource fairs). - Include distracted driving/walking, motorcycle safety, and stress reduction/mental wellness sessions. - Seek sponsorship or grant support to provide incentives (e.g., free helmets, reflectors, wellness materials). - Enlist student leaders and health classes in outreach; offer peer-to-peer discussions and invite local survivors or families for impactful storytelling. - Evaluate for expansion as an annual campaign, linking to local sports events or National Teen Driver Safety Week.
These opportunities directly respond to recent developments, address expressed community needs, and exemplify Rotary’s commitment to health, education, and youth development.
1. Community Health & Resource Fair Collaboration at the "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair" (Nov. 15, Vernon Hills)
Context:
The upcoming "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair" at Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills (Nov. 15) is an event focused on neurodiversity, support resources, and family engagement, reflecting a growing need in Lake County for more health and support services for individuals with neurological differences (such as autism, ADHD, epilepsy, and more). Many local families face both gaps in resource awareness and challenges accessing needed support.
Potential Rotary Initiative:
Rotary could sponsor or co-host a resource table, offer free health screenings (vision, hearing, or blood pressure), distribute multilingual informational packets, or help coordinate transportation for families needing assistance to attend.
Potential Partners:
- Local healthcare providers (Advocate Aurora Health, Lake County Health Department)
- Local neurodiversity organizations (Autism Society of Illinois, NSSRA)
- School districts (Gurnee D56, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Hawthorn Mall Management (event host)
Next Steps:
- Contact event organizers to identify partnership needs and available opportunities for Rotary to participate.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers with healthcare or bilingual skills.
- Collect and prepare resource materials; forge partnerships with local clinics for onsite screenings.
- Publicize Rotary’s participation via social media, schools, and flyers in target neighborhoods.
2. Environment & Education: Rotary Support for Community Garden Preparation with Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
Context:
The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club's event, “Putting Your Garden to Bed” (Oct 28), focuses on sustainable gardening and green community spaces. With increased interest in local food, pollinator support, and hands-on environmental education, helping to enhance public/community gardens can address both food insecurity and environmental awareness—two ongoing community priorities in Lake County.
Potential Rotary Initiative:
Rotarians can partner to sponsor hands-on work days helping local gardens (school/youth gardens, food pantry plots, pollinator parks) prepare for winter—supplying mulch, tools, and manpower, as well as offering garden education kits for youth.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club (community garden expertise)
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry)
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District (public garden sites)
- Local scout troops, school eco-clubs
Next Steps:
- Connect with Grayslake Greenery Garden Club to discuss collaborative projects and select high-impact garden sites.
- Develop a schedule of service days and gather supplies.
- Recruit volunteers, including youth/school groups for intergenerational learning.
- Incorporate an educational element into each event for kids and families (e.g., composting, native plant identification).
- Publicize opportunities for broader community engagement before spring planting.
1. Playground Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative Context: Lake Forest’s newest playground is set to open soon. This is an opportunity to engage the community in ensuring the playground is accessible to children of all abilities. Rotary’s focus on supporting children and youth aligns with efforts to foster inclusive and healthy environments, promoting physical activity and social integration for all children, including those with disabilities.
Potential Partners: - City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department - Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) - Local PTAs and area schools
Next Steps: - Reach out to the Parks and Recreation Department to discuss opportunities for Rotary involvement in the playground’s final touches or programming. - Organize a fundraising event to support installation of adaptive equipment or sensory-friendly features (e.g., communication boards, adaptive swings). - Arrange a volunteer “playground build” day in collaboration with NSSRA and inclusive play advocates. - Launch an awareness campaign highlighting the importance of inclusive play spaces and host an “accessible play day” for children and families.
2. Youth Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Workshops Context: Recent local tragedies, such as the death of two boys in Lake County, underscore an urgent need for youth mental health support. With Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting youth, initiating mental health workshops and suicide prevention outreach addresses a pressing local need.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department – Behavioral Health Services - Lake County schools and parent-teacher organizations (PTAs) - Woodlands Academy—already recognized as a Blue Ribbon school with a commitment to student support - Local mental health non-profits such as NAMI Lake County Illinois
Next Steps: - Contact the Lake County Health Department to identify evidence-based programming appropriate for local youth. - Collaborate with area schools, including Woodlands Academy, to host on-site or virtual workshops for students, parents, and educators. - Seek volunteers and funding within the Rotary club to sponsor guest speakers, resource materials, and refreshments. - Publicize the workshops via Rotary, partner school channels, and community organizations to maximize participation.
Both initiatives advance Rotary’s mission by addressing real and current needs in Lake County—building health, resilience, and inclusion for local children and families.
1. Community Mental Health Support for Grieving Families and Youth
Context:
Recent news from Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, reported on the double fatality at the Great Lakes Naval Station and loss of two local boys, incidents that likely leave families, friends, and young people struggling with trauma and grief. The emotional impact on children, teens, and the broader community underscores the ongoing need for local mental health resources—one of Rotary’s areas of focus under Disease Prevention and Treatment (community health).
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
- Local schools in Gurnee and Waukegan
- Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with school counselors, county health officials, and NAMI representatives to identify gaps in services and immediate plans for support groups or counseling.
2. Organize a Rotary-sponsored grief counseling and mental health awareness event, open to students and families, with professional facilitators.
3. Launch a targeted fundraising campaign to sponsor ongoing school-based mental health workshops and bring in trauma-informed professionals.
4. Explore a scholarship or aid fund for families impacted by violence or loss.
5. Publicize available mental health resources through Rotary communication channels and partner networks.
2. Environmental Community Service: Lake County Pet Welfare and Responsible Ownership Initiative
Context:
A recent local incident reported a dog found with its collar embedded in its neck, pointing to ongoing problems with pet neglect in Lake County. Responsible pet ownership intersects Rotary’s environment and community health focus, as animal welfare impacts both local ecosystems (stray animal issues) and public health.
Potential Partners:
- Save-A-Pet (No-Kill Animal Shelter, Grayslake)
- Lake County Animal Care and Control
- Local veterinary clinics
- Community schools and youth groups (for outreach and education)
Next Steps:
1. Partner with animal shelters and the County to host a "Responsible Pet Ownership and Adoption Day." Provide free pet wellness checks, microchipping, collar fitting, and educational sessions for families.
2. Raise funds to sponsor low-income pet owners for vet care (spay/neuter, vaccinations), and distribute free adjustable collars/leashes to prevent similar incidents.
3. Develop a Rotary youth ambassador program, in cooperation with schools, to teach humane treatment and environmental impact of pets.
4. Launch a community awareness campaign via social media and local news encouraging reporting of animal neglect and promoting local adoption.
5. Coordinate a volunteer day at Save-A-Pet or Animal Care and Control, inviting Rotarians and community members to assist with shelter upkeep and animal care.