Certainly! Based on ongoing needs and recent trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, IL (as noted in community organizations’ updates, local government activity, and school and nonprofit news), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that address both current events and Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Expanding Access to Youth Mental Health Resources in Lake County Schools
Context:
There has been a persistent and increasing need for mental health support among youth in Lake County, exacerbated by academic pressures and lingering pandemic effects. Recent discussions in area school boards (such as Waukegan Public Schools District 60 and Gurnee District 56) and community forums have highlighted gaps in counseling access and mental wellness education, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods of Waukegan and North Chicago.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Waukegan Public Schools (D60), Gurnee School Districts (D56 & D121)
- NAMI Lake County
- Local mental health professionals or organizations (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with school counselors, parent groups, and the Lake County Health Department to identify immediate and long-term mental health needs.
2. Organize a community fundraising breakfast or wellness walk/run, inviting local businesses and school families as sponsors/participants, to generate funds for in-school mental health workshops, peer support training, or counseling scholarships.
3. Launch a volunteer initiative where Rotary members can support awareness and facilitate connections between students and local resources (distribute literature, staff wellness fairs, etc.).
2. Community Environmental Clean-Up & Green Space Revitalization Initiative
Context:
Reports from Lake County Forest Preserves and recent village planning meetings have identified concerns about litter, invasive species, and neglected green spaces—especially near heavily used parks in Waukegan, Gurnee Woods, and along the Des Plaines River Trail. The need for environmental stewardship and beautification aligns with the growing interest among youth and families in conservation and outdoor activities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District, Warren Township Park District (Gurnee)
- Local environmental clubs (e.g., Waukegan High School Environmental Club, College of Lake County student organizations)
- Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO)
- Local businesses (for supply donations and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with the Forest Preserve District to select priority sites and set clean-up/revitalization dates (e.g., spring and early fall weekends).
2. Recruit volunteers from Rotary, school groups, and civic organizations; seek in-kind donations for tools, gloves, and refreshments.
3. Add an educational component such as brief talks on local ecology, recycling, or pollinator gardens; highlight Rotary’s commitment to protecting the environment.
4. Use the event as a fundraiser through sponsorships or pledges supporting additional environmental projects (e.g., planting trees, installing recycling bins, creating pollinator gardens) throughout Lake County.
Both initiatives align with Rotary’s focus on community health (physical and mental), education, youth development, and environmental sustainability—while directly meeting well-documented, ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Youth Mental Health & Community Safety Support Initiative in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Greater Lake County
Context:
Recent reporting highlights rising anxiety and fear among youth and families due to increased federal immigration enforcement actions throughout Lake County, including in Gurnee and Waukegan. Some families are pushing for remote learning and expressing mental health concerns as local headlines describe an “unprecedented” level of federal agent presence, arrests, and community trauma ("Federal immigration agents step up activity in Lake County," "With rising federal agents’ accelerated activity in Lake County, families pushing schools for remote learning," October 2025). Additionally, there have been disturbing incidents involving child pornography and local school custodial staff, further heightening concerns about youth safety and support structures.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools (District 60), Gurnee School Districts, & Parent-Teacher Associations
- Lake County Health Department, especially behavioral health services
- Youth-serving nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, and YWCA Lake County
- Local faith organizations engaged in immigrant support
- Municipal leaders (Mayor Sam Cunningham of Waukegan, school boards, etc.)
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with local school officials, law enforcement, and mental health resources to assess needs.
- Organize a fundraising campaign to support in-school mental health professionals, community healing events, or group counseling sessions for affected youth and families.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to help create resource guides about mental health, legal rights, and community safety for distribution in schools and public spaces.
- Host a community forum (potentially at the Waukegan History Museum or a school auditorium) with trauma-informed speakers and local leaders to build connections and trust.
- Seek matching grants from The Rotary Foundation focused on community health and support for vulnerable youth.
2. Environmental Enhancement & Community Greening in Waukegan
Context:
A local church in Waukegan recently led a tree-planting drive, noting both costs ($500-$700 per sapling) and the powerful symbolism of “trees offer us hope” (Steve Sadin, Oct. 24, 2025). This demonstrates grassroots demand—while environmental equity remains an issue in Lake County, especially in areas like Waukegan historically impacted by pollution, industry, and limited green infrastructure. At the same time, other stories feature pushes for solar power adoption, home garden habitat certification, and general community beautification.
Potential Partners:
- Churches and congregations (e.g., the unnamed Waukegan church that spearheaded recent plantings, United Congregations of Metro East)
- Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Forestry Division
- Lake County Forest Preserves and local environmental groups (Mothers Trust Foundation, Lake County Audubon Society, local scout troops)
- Corporate sponsors/in-kind donors (nurseries, Lowe’s, Home Depot, ComEd’s “Green Region” grants program)
- Schools for youth engagement (e.g., Waukegan High School students previously engaged in downtown beautification efforts)
Next Steps:
- Contact the church leader and the Waukegan Park District to explore expanding the sapling planting program into a larger “Adopt a Tree” or “Green Corridors” initiative.
- Apply for grants and set up Rotary fundraising events (tree sales, green walks) to help subsidize the purchase and care of new trees, prioritizing neighborhoods with limited tree cover.
- Partner with local school students for tree adoption, educational programs, and tree stewardship.
- Organize hands-on service days with Rotarians, students, and community members planting and maintaining trees.
- Launch a social media and local press campaign highlighting environmental and quality-of-life benefits, encouraging further sponsor and community buy-in.
Both projects address Rotary’s focus areas: supporting child and community health, fostering environmental sustainability, and empowering youth. Each project also offers opportunities for meaningful Rotary partnership, volunteerism, and fundraising impact.
Certainly! Based on the recent news and community context in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two service or fundraising project opportunities for a local Rotary club, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth and Education Enrichment: Support for Academic Competitions and Literacy Programs
Context:
The recent Lake County Regional Spelling Bee highlights the achievements and dedication of students like seventh grader Visharad Sathish, who will represent the county at the National Spelling Bee. With participation from 73 schools and intense community interest, this event showcases the value the area places on academic excellence, literacy, and youth achievement. Many students and schools may lack access to resources like study materials, competition fees, or travel funding—especially those from under-resourced backgrounds.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (contacts: Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent, Courtney Curry, Assistant Superintendent)
- Local schools: John Lewis Middle School (Waukegan), Matthews Middle School (Island Lake), Lake Forest Country Day School, and others who participate in academic competitions
- Local businesses and libraries
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss specific needs for future spelling bees and similar academic competitions (e.g., funding for study materials, registration fees, travel scholarships).
- Develop a Rotary grant or fundraising campaign to sponsor academic enrichment activities, such as a “Words for Winners” scholarship fund for spelling bee competitors and other educational clubs.
- Organize a “Community Spell-a-thon” event—invite students, Rotarians, and community members to participate in friendly spelling rounds, raising money via pledges for each word spelled correctly.
- Coordinate with schools to expand or initiate after-school literacy and reading programs, using Rotary volunteers as mentors or tutors.
2. Youth Leadership & Resilience: Community Wellness and Enrichment Fair
Context:
The spelling bee, which drew hundreds of students and their families from across Lake County, underscores a community appetite for youth-focused activities that foster skill-building, confidence, and academic engagement. Many families invest substantial time and resources into these programs, but not all youth can participate equally. Beyond academic competitions, holistic development—supporting resilience, health, and well-being—is essential, particularly in the wake of recent challenges (e.g., pandemic disruptions, rising youth mental health concerns).
Potential Partners:
- Community organizations: YMCA of Lake County, Boys & Girls Clubs, local PTAs
- Health partners: Lake County Health Department
- School districts and after-school program providers
- Local media (e.g., Lake County News-Sun) to help publicize efforts
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with youth-centered organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs) to identify gaps in student support—mental health, nutrition, study skills, and extracurricular enrichment.
- Organize a county-wide “Youth Leadership & Resilience Fair” (possibly at a large local school campus or park) featuring workshops on:
- Academic skills (spelling, STEM, reading)
- Mental wellness and stress management
- Healthy habits (nutrition, exercise)
- Leadership development and public speaking
- Recruit Rotarians and local professionals as session leaders and mentors.
- Partner with media to highlight student achievements and promote inclusivity in youth achievement activities.
- Use the fair as an opportunity to fundraise for ongoing youth enrichment grants, and publicize Rotary’s role in supporting local youth.
These projects align with Rotary’s areas of focus (education, youth development, and community health) and address timely, local needs, amplifying the positive momentum already created by noteworthy academic achievements in Lake County.
Project 1: Lake County Food Security Initiative—Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent news highlights a troubling spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, reflecting increased food insecurity in Lake County. As food prices rise and economic hardships continue post-pandemic, local organizations are stretched thin attempting to meet community needs.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County)
- Cool Ministries (Waukegan)
- Waukegan Township Food Pantry
- Grayslake Central High School Interact Club (Rotary youth partner)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Aldi)
Next Steps:
1. Outreach: Contact directors of the named pantries and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess priority needs (e.g., non-perishable foods, hygiene products).
2. Organize a Community Food Drive: Set dates in cooperation with grocery stores for collection events and coordinate high school Interact volunteers for staffing and promotion.
3. Fundraising: Launch an online campaign and/or host a fundraising dinner, leveraging Rotary and Interact networks. Funds raised can be used either to purchase bulk food at cost through food bank partners or to address ancillary needs like transportation or refrigeration.
4. Public Awareness: Work with local media and Gurnee/Waukegan government to promote the drive and highlight lasting food insecurity issues.
Project 2: Youth Road Safety and Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Context:
In the last week, there have been two tragic deaths of young people from Grayslake (including a 19-year-old) linked to a motorcycle crash and a missing-person incident. This points to both immediate youth safety needs and possible underlying mental health concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Grayslake Central, Warren Township in Gurnee, Waukegan High)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Department / Grayslake Police
- Lake County Health Department Mental Health Services
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Suburban Chapter
- Advocate Aurora Health (local hospital network)
Next Steps:
1. Needs Assessment: Connect with school administrators and local police to discuss recent incidents and gauge interest in joint safety education efforts.
2. Program Development: Design a two-pronged campaign:
- Road Safety: Organize in-school workshops with traffic safety officers, motorcycle safety demonstrations, and peer testimonials.
- Mental Health: Collaborate with county health professionals to facilitate workshops on stress, depression, and healthy coping, offering resources and destigmatizing help-seeking.
3. Rotary Involvement: Engage youth from Interact/Rotaract for peer leadership roles. Develop an incentive-based pledge program (e.g., safe driving contracts, mental wellbeing check-ins).
4. Fund and Promote: Seek sponsorships from local insurance agencies, hospitals, and local businesses. Publicize via school networks and at community events for maximum participation.
These projects align with Rotary’s emphases on supporting community health, education, and youth empowerment, while addressing immediate local needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Based on recent events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, IL—and considering Rotary’s areas of focus—here are two specific, timely service or fundraising opportunities for your club:
1. Community Health: Neuro-Diverse Support Resource Fair Partnership
Context:
The Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair on November 15 at 122 Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills highlights a growing focus on supporting neuro-diverse individuals and their families in Lake County. Neuro-diversity includes autism, ADHD, and related conditions, with a clear need for expanded community awareness, support networks, and access to resources.
Potential Rotary Project:
Rotary could spearhead a community health literacy and resource awareness campaign or sponsor a series of workshops focused on neuro-diversity for families and educators in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County. The club could also fundraise to provide scholarships for therapeutic services or adaptive technology.
Potential Partners:
- “Neuro Universe” Resource Fair organizers
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Autism Society of Illinois
- Advocate Aurora Health or Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Contact the Neuro Universe event organizers to explore volunteering, sponsoring, or expanding their next event.
- Convene a meeting with local special education coordinators to identify unmet needs.
- Launch a Rotary work group to plan fundraising (for scholarships/resources) and develop educational programs.
- Publicize results and repeat at future fairs and school district meetings.
2. Environment and Youth: Community Gardening & Urban Agriculture Education
Context:
The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club’s “Putting Your Garden to Bed” event and the Fall Farmers Market point to strong local interest in sustainable gardening and food access. Urban agriculture supports both environmental stewardship (one of Rotary’s newer areas of focus) and youth education.
Potential Rotary Project:
Rotary could collaborate with the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club, school Eco-Clubs, and farmers market organizers to create a youth-led community garden program. This initiative would educate local children and teens about gardening, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and could supplement local food pantries with fresh produce.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Grayslake Park District and local schools
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
- Lake County Forest Preserves
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Greenery Garden Club leadership to discuss shared goals and possible Rotary support for youth participation.
- Identify a location (school, park, or church) for new or expanded community gardens.
- Recruit youth participants through schools and scout troops.
- Plan a kick-off event (spring planting day) and coordinate volunteers and supply donations.
- Create an educational series for families and local schools in partnership with Extension agents.
Both project ideas directly address local community needs and leverage existing momentum, maximizing impact and visibility for Rotary’s mission in Lake County.
Context:
Lake Forest's newest playground is about to open, offering fresh opportunities for children and families. Safe, inclusive play spaces are vital for childhood development, physical activity, and mental well-being. With the playground launch, there is a timely chance to promote both physical health and social connection among local youth, aligning with Rotary’s focus on youth and community health.
Potential Partners:
- City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department
- Local schools and preschools (e.g., The Episcopal Preschool)
- Youth-focused organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps: 1. Contact Parks Department to coordinate a Rotary-sponsored kickoff family health day or "active play fair" at the new playground’s opening. 2. Organize games, health screenings, and educational booths on nutrition, exercise, and mental health for kids and families. 3. Partner with schools and health educators to provide resources and demonstrations. 4. Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with activities, distribute healthy snacks, and share information. 5. Evaluate for future programming or annual community health events at the playground.
Context:
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest was recently honored with both state and national Blue Ribbon awards for educational excellence. Recognizing educational achievement while ensuring underserved students have access to similar opportunities aligns with Rotary’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.
Potential Partners: - Woodlands Academy administration and student leadership - Local education foundations (e.g., Lake County Community Foundation) - Waukegan and Gurnee school districts - Area businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire) for sponsorship and visibility
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to Woodlands Academy to congratulate them and discuss opportunities to build a mentorship or tutoring program connecting academy students with those in need at nearby public schools (especially in Waukegan and Gurnee). 2. Work with local educators to identify students who would benefit from mentorship or scholarships. 3. Plan a Rotary fundraising event—such as a “Blue Ribbon Breakfast”—to support book grants, tutoring supplies, or scholarship funds for under-resourced youth in Lake County. 4. Recruit volunteers and sponsors from local businesses, including those spotlighted in Patch coverage, to amplify impact and build community ties. 5. Promote the program’s impact through local media and at community events to encourage broader engagement and sustainability.
1. Community Mental Health & Violence Prevention Initiative
Context:
Recent news from Libertyville and the surrounding Lake County region includes the tragic deaths of two individuals at the Great Lakes Naval Station housing complex. This incident underscores a dire need for greater community support systems related to mental health awareness, crisis intervention, and violence prevention, especially for youth, veterans, military families, and vulnerable residents.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department – Behavioral Health Services
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (serving military and veterans)
- Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, and others)
- Police departments and community policing programs
Next Steps:
- Organize an awareness campaign or community forum bringing together behavioral health experts, law enforcement, and residents to identify gaps in mental health resources and violence prevention.
- Plan a Rotary-hosted fundraising event (e.g., awareness walk/run, benefit dinner) with proceeds going to NAMI Lake County and/or local suicide prevention/mental health first aid training for schools and first responders.
- Recruit volunteers to assist with mental health resource fairs and distribute information at schools, libraries, and civic centers.
- Pursue Rotary district or global grants to underwrite mental health initiatives, particularly for veterans and military families.
2. Environmental Stewardship & Youth Engagement: Parks Revitalization and Anti-Litter Campaign
Context:
Although not explicitly listed in the recent headlines, Lake County, including communities like Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville, continually faces challenges with environmental upkeep—especially in community parks and lakefronts. Public spaces are essential for health and wellness, yet often suffer from litter, neglect, or lack of youth engagement—issues likely exacerbated by business closures and changes during recent years.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District
- Local school environmental clubs and scout troops
- Nonprofits such as Lake County Audubon Society or Friends of the Chicago River
- Local businesses for sponsorship (e.g., Ace Hardware, Home Depot)
Next Steps:
- Conduct a needs assessment: connect with park districts to identify one or more parks or green spaces needing litter cleanup, invasive species removal, or beautification.
- Organize a “Rotary Day of Service”: coordinate a large-scale clean-up event inviting youth clubs, schools, and Rotary members. Consider incorporating tree planting or pollinator garden installations.
- Use the event to raise environmental awareness—distribute educational materials or hold workshops on recycling, composting, and native habitats.
- Launch a small fundraiser or seek in-kind donations for supplies (gloves, bags, native plants) from local businesses.
- Publicize the event to build community pride and encourage ongoing stewardship, with recognition for participating youth and partner organizations.
These two projects would address urgent needs in mental health/violence prevention and environmental stewardship while providing meaningful community engagement and visibility for Rotary’s commitment to positive change.