Based on the limited local news context from October 28, 2025, and Rotary’s areas of focus, two relevant Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL communities are:
1. Community Education Event: Termite Awareness, Prevention, & Home Safety
Context:
A recent column highlighted local homeowners’ concerns about termites, indicating community need for education on pest management and home safety. Termites can cause significant property damage, particularly in older homes common throughout Lake County, and there may be gaps in public awareness about affordable and environmentally friendly prevention measures.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pest control businesses (e.g., Anderson Pest Solutions, Smithereen)
- Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan community development departments
- Home Depot or local hardware stores
- Local garden clubs, Master Gardeners
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Health Department to co-host an informational seminar or webinar on termite identification, prevention, and environmentally safe treatment options.
- Partner with local pest control companies for workshops or home visits, possibly offering free or discounted inspections for seniors and low-income residents.
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraiser or supplies drive to provide termite monitoring systems to families in need, with a focus on at-risk or historic homes.
- Promote events through social media, local libraries, and neighborhood groups.
2. Fall Community Gardening & Environmental Stewardship Day
Context:
The fall gardening checklist featured in local news reflects a community interest in sustainable gardening, environmental health, and preparation for colder months. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on the environment and presents an opportunity to foster community connections, beautify neighborhoods, and support local food security efforts.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
- University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
- Local schools’ environmental or gardening clubs (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan High School)
- Food pantries such as Northern Illinois Food Bank
Next Steps:
- Coordinate a fall cleanup and planting event at local parks, school gardens, or community green spaces. Invite volunteers to prepare beds, plant native bulbs and cover crops, and learn about composting and soil health.
- Work with Master Gardeners and Extension agents to provide brief educational workshops or distribute resource guides.
- Partner with schools to include youth in hands-on stewardship activities, fostering environmental awareness and leadership.
- Include a food drive, encouraging participants to donate fresh produce or healthy pantry items for local food banks.
- Seek sponsorship or in-kind donations from area nurseries, and promote the event to families and seniors for broad community impact.
1. Waukegan and Zion Recycling Awareness & Tree Planting Initiative
Context: Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham recently highlighted the city’s successful partnership with SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) to boost community recycling awareness. Additionally, a Waukegan church’s neighborhood tree-planting project showcased both the financial burden ($500–$700 per tree) and strong local interest in environmental improvements. These stories underscore a community need and enthusiasm for environmental sustainability, combining waste reduction with urban greening.
Potential Partners: - SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) - City of Waukegan & Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham - Local faith organizations (e.g., Rev. Adonna Reid’s congregation) - Waukegan school groups (Student Environmental Clubs) - Local businesses (for sponsorship or in-kind support) - Zion city officials (building on existing recycling efforts)
Next Steps: - Meet with SWALCO and city officials to identify priority neighborhoods for intensified recycling outreach and tree planting. - Coordinate with local churches and schools for volunteer recruitment. - Apply for environmental grants (Rotary and local foundations) to subsidize tree purchases. - Organize a series of “Green Saturdays,” where residents receive recycling education and assistance, and participate in neighborhood tree planting. - Publicize the effort in local media and through city/school/Rotary social channels for participation and fundraising.
2. Youth Engagement & Civic Literacy Through the Lake County “I Voted” Sticker Contest
Context: The Lake County Clerk’s Office has announced a county-wide “I Voted” sticker design contest for elementary, middle, and high school students, encouraging youth civic engagement ahead of the 2026 election. In a community experiencing political polarization and challenges around inclusion (visible in the aftermath of immigration raids and related protests), strengthening youth civic understanding and expression is both timely and impactful.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Clerk’s Office - Local School Districts (including Waukegan District 60, Gurnee schools) - Community art teachers and youth organizations - Local libraries and museums (e.g., Waukegan History Museum) - Civic engagement nonprofits (e.g., League of Women Voters, NAACP Lake County) - Area businesses for contest prizes or event sponsorship
Next Steps: - Offer Rotary funding and volunteer support to expand the outreach, especially to underserved schools and youth (e.g., immigrant and low-income communities). - Host informational and artistic workshops on civic engagement and voting rights. - Organize a public exhibition of the top entries, possibly at the Waukegan History Museum or public libraries. - Use Rotary Club platforms for publicity and to raise funds for contest prizes, supplies, and transportation for participating students. - Explore ongoing civic education partnerships with schools, including scholarships or “Youth Civic Leader” recognitions.
Certainly! Based on recent news and developments in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Mental Health & Wellness Initiative
Area of Focus: Disease Prevention & Treatment; Community Health; Youth
Context:
Recent news in Lake County, specifically in Waukegan and surrounding communities, has highlighted growing concern about youth mental health. Local schools—including Waukegan Community Unit School District 60—have reported increases in students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the pandemic and family economic stress. Community organizations such as the Lake County Health Department and the Youth & Family Counseling agency have called for greater access to school-based counseling and wellness resources.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan CUSD 60 and Gurnee School District 56
- Lake County Health Department
- Youth & Family Counseling
- NorthShore University HealthSystem, Lake Bluff
- Local youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a Rotary-led roundtable with school counselors and community mental health organizations to assess needs.
- Partner with local hospitals and agencies to host Mental Health Awareness Days at area schools, combining resource fairs with guest speakers and workshops.
- Organize a fundraiser (such as a community walk, gala, or online campaign) to support the placement of additional counselors or the development of peer wellness programs in local schools.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to help fund wellness initiatives and educational workshops.
2. Habitat Restoration & Clean-Up Campaign at Waukegan and Des Plaines River Wetlands
Area of Focus: Environment
Context:
Recent local coverage has spotlighted ongoing efforts to restore natural habitats and improve water quality in the Waukegan wetlands and along the Des Plaines River corridor. The Waukegan Lakefront is mid-way through transformation plans, accelerated by public-private partnerships, but invasive species, pollution, and litter remain concerns, affecting both wildlife and residents’ quality of life. Local groups—including the Lake County Forest Preserves and the Waukegan Park District—have called for more volunteer support and public awareness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District
- Friends of the Chicago River
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina
- Local scout troops and school environmental clubs
Next Steps:
- Connect with existing habitat restoration events or create a Rotary-led clean-up and native planting day this spring or summer.
- Work with partners to identify high-need sites and supply lists (trash bags, gloves, native plant seedlings).
- Publicize the event with local schools, encouraging youth participation for service hours.
- Launch a fundraising drive (e.g., native tree sponsorships) to fund ongoing restoration projects and educational signage promoting wetland conservation.
- Document successes and consider adopting a segment of the wetlands or river as a recurring Rotary service project.
1. Emergency Food Support Initiative
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Basic Needs
Context:
Recent reports indicate a notable spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Grayslake, Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County. Additionally, the upcoming disruption to Illinois SNAP benefits (as nearly 2 million residents face the loss of benefits amid a federal government shutdown) is expected to sharply increase food insecurity in the community. Local food pantries, such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries in Waukegan, will soon face greater strain to meet demand.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries (Waukegan)
- Local churches and faith organizations
- School districts (for identification of at-risk families)
- Local groceries or businesses (for sponsorship/matching donations)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with representatives from area food pantries to assess current needs and immediate gaps.
- Launch an emergency food drive and fundraising campaign, leveraging Rotary networks and collaborating with local businesses for matching or in-kind donations.
- Organize Rotarians and community volunteers to assist with food sorting, packing, and distribution, especially in high-need neighborhoods in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Seek media coverage to heighten awareness and participation, and establish a recurring month-long food security action program as SNAP and economic conditions evolve.
2. Youth Wellness & Dental Safety Awareness Project
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention & Treatment, Child Health, Education
Context:
Tragic recent news includes the death of a Spring Grove teenager after a routine dental surgery at a dental clinic in Grayslake. This incident has sparked concern and confusion among parents regarding dental safety, consent, and best practices in pediatric health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Local dental clinics and practitioners
- School districts, PTA organizations
- Parent support groups and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- American Dental Association (ADA) local chapter
Next Steps:
- Coordinate a panel discussion or town hall with dental and health professionals to answer families’ questions on dental safety, anesthesia, and informed parental consent.
- Develop and distribute multi-lingual educational materials (flyers, social media infographics) on safe dental practices, what to ask providers, warning signs, and preparation checklists for pediatric dental procedures.
- Partner with local schools to organize in-school assemblies or health fair booths offering resources and facilitating direct Q&A with dental professionals.
- Explore the potential for sponsoring no-cost dental screenings or wellness checks at community events, particularly targeting underserved youth in Waukegan and Gurnee.
1. Community Health: Partnership with the "Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair"
Context:
The Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair (Nov 15, Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills) aims to bring together families, caregivers, and individuals with neurological differences or disabilities, connecting them to resources, organizations, and events in Lake County. Community health—including support for neurodiverse populations—is a Rotary area of focus. Given Lake County's diverse demographic and the ongoing needs for mental and neurological health resources, supporting this event would fill a vital gap.
Potential Partners:
- Event organizers of Neuro Universe
- Hawthorn Center management
- Local health agencies (Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County)
- Special education departments from Gurnee and Waukegan school districts
- Local therapy and resource providers
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Neuro Universe event organizers to co-sponsor or provide volunteers.
- Organize Rotary-led health screening booths (vision, hearing, cognitive screening) at the fair.
- Host an informational table on Rotary’s community programs and scholarships for families.
- Explore an ongoing Rotary grant or fundraising campaign to support local neurodiversity initiatives (e.g., sensory kits for schools, therapy scholarships).
- Coordinate post-fair follow-up workshops on mental health resources in schools and community centers.
2. Youth & Education: Rotary-Sponsored Environmental Youth Workshop at the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club Event
Context:
The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club presents “Putting Your Garden to Bed” (Oct 28, State Bank of The Lakes) focuses on sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship—areas that are increasingly important as Lake County faces both climate and food security issues. Engaging youth in environmental education is critical, especially with growing community interest in gardening and sustainability.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Local Scouts (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts) and youth groups
- Grayslake Park District
- State Bank of The Lakes (event host)
- Local schools’ environmental clubs and FFA
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Garden Club to host a Rotary-sponsored youth break-out session on pollinator gardens, composting, or native plants during the event.
- Develop a mini-grant or supplies drive for school gardens in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities.
- Arrange for Rotarians to mentor or judge local student environmental projects.
- Invite environmental experts from Lake County Forest Preserves or University of Illinois Extension to participate.
- Publicize the youth initiative through the Grayslake Patch, school newsletters, and local social media to boost engagement and Rotary visibility.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, based on current events and community needs, aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Food Security Initiative in Light of SNAP Disruptions
Context:
Recent news has highlighted that nearly 2 million Illinois residents face imminent loss of SNAP (food stamp) benefits amid a federal government shutdown. This sudden cutoff can exacerbate food insecurity, especially for vulnerable groups in Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Local churches and faith-based organizations
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess immediate needs and identify gaps in coverage.
- Organize a community food drive and/or fundraising campaign with clear objectives (e.g., providing weekend meal kits for children or supplementing existing pantries to meet increased demand).
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for food assortment, packing, and distribution, with special outreach to ensure immigrant and low-income families are aware of available help.
- Coordinate with local schools to identify students most at risk and facilitate discreet food distribution, protecting student dignity and privacy.
2. STEM Empowerment for Youth After Math Success and New Playground
Context:
Local schools, such as Lake Bluff Middle School and the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest, have recently achieved top placements in regional Mathalons, reflecting both interest and talent in STEM education. Furthermore, Lake Forest is unveiling a new community playground, creating a space ideal for interactive youth programming.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools (Lake Bluff Middle School, School of St. Mary, Woodland Schools)
- Woodlands Academy (host of Mathalon)
- Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department
- Local technology companies (Abbott Labs, which has a strong community presence)
Next Steps:
- Develop a Rotary-supported afterschool STEM club or series of summer “Learning in the Park” events at the new playground or local libraries, leveraging successful students as youth mentors or “Math Buddies.”
- Collaborate with Woodlands Academy and winning Mathalon students to design hands-on activities, workshops, or public math competitions open to all, focusing on girls and underrepresented youth.
- Seek sponsorships or in-kind donations (e.g., science kits, robotics materials) from local businesses and corporations.
- Launch the initiative with an engaging community ribbon-cutting event at the new playground, featuring interactive STEM stations and Rotary branding to build awareness and encourage ongoing youth participation.
1. Rotary Community Food Security Drive in Response to SNAP Benefit Cuts
Context:
Recent news reports highlight impending cuts to Illinois SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, with nearly 2 million Illinois residents—including vulnerable populations in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County—potentially losing vital monthly food assistance. Food insecurity will be on the rise, especially among children, seniors, and low-income families.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Food Pantry Network (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan)
- Local schools (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60) for food backpack programs
- Township offices (Warren Township, Waukegan Township)
- Area faith communities (churches, synagogues, mosques)
Next Steps:
- Convene a Rotary-led planning meeting with area food pantries and township officials to identify neighborhoods with highest need.
- Set calendar for food drives and identify “drop off” partner sites (e.g., libraries, municipal buildings, local businesses).
- Organize Rotarians for food collections, packing, and distribution.
- Apply for support from Rotary District Grant to cover transportation/logistics costs.
- Launch an awareness campaign, highlighting the impact of SNAP cuts and calling for community support.
- Coordinate with local media for visibility, and engage youth (Interact Clubs, school service programs) in fundraising and volunteering.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community health; fighting hunger; supporting families.
2. Rotary Youth Mental Health & Resilience Initiative
Context:
The local news highlights several traumatic events affecting youth and families, including recent deaths at Great Lakes Naval Station, a reported kidnapping, ICE arrests witnessed by children, fatal accidents, and community violence. These events may contribute to mental health challenges and increased trauma exposure, especially for local youth in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding towns.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Services
- Lake County Regional Office of Education and School Districts (e.g., Waukegan School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- NAMI Lake County Chapter (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Local therapists and trauma-informed care providers
Next Steps:
- Conduct a needs assessment with local schools and youth organizations to gauge the impact of recent events on youth mental health.
- Organize a Rotary-led Youth Mental Wellness Fair in partnership with health providers, offering resources, workshops, and peer support.
- Offer funding or coordination for a series of trauma-informed care training sessions for area educators and youth leaders.
- Develop a resource guide for families and youth in crisis—available digitally and distributed at community centers and libraries.
- Pursue matching funds through Rotary grants and seek sponsorship from local businesses.
- Engage Rotary youth programs (Interact, RYLA) as partners in both outreach and peer support activities.
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting education; disease prevention and treatment (with a focus on mental health); peace and conflict prevention.