Certainly! Based on the news stories provided (including references to food security via Congressman Foster’s donation during a shutdown and the ongoing local interest in schools/facility maintenance), here are two curated Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations for Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County. These are built around Rotary’s areas of focus, using information from recent events and community needs.
Context:
The announcement that U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (Naperville) is donating his pay during a potential federal shutdown to the Northern Illinois Food Bank highlights ongoing food insecurity issues in the region. Waukegan and north Lake County communities continue to experience high demand at food pantries, with many families feeling the squeeze during public funding gaps.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (primary)
- Waukegan Public Schools and local PTAs
- Gurnee Women’s Club and other local service organizations
- Local grocery stores such as Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s
Next Steps:
- Contact Northern Illinois Food Bank to discuss their current needs and best support methods (food drives, fundraising, or direct service).
- Organize a community food drive and/or fundraising event, possibly themed around the holidays and promoted via local schools and businesses.
- Engage students and youth groups to help collect, sort, and distribute food packages, reinforcing youth involvement.
- Consider partnering with local elected officials or community leaders, leveraging the publicity around Rep. Foster’s donation to drive community involvement and donations.
Context:
Editorials referenced community debate over facilities maintenance in local school districts, including growing calls for sustainable, long-term funding to support clean, safe, and modern learning environments. Facility issues impact the quality of education and even health outcomes for students (mold, air quality, etc.).
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- Local parent advocacy groups
- Contractors and trades associations interested in community support
- Environmental organizations (for energy efficiency or “green school” projects)
Next Steps:
- Meet with district facility managers and PTAs to identify critical projects not covered by existing budgets (e.g., classroom refurbishments, air purifier purchases, playground repairs, or “green” initiatives like school gardens).
- Design a Rotary-led mini-grant or service project to address one or more needs, such as organizing a community workday to improve outdoor spaces or raising funds for specific facility upgrades.
- Incorporate environmental and health education elements—invite students to participate in building or maintaining new features (e.g., gardens, recycling programs), tying into Rotary’s education and environment focus.
- Publicize the initiative to increase community buy-in and encourage additional partnerships or corporate sponsorships.
These projects address clear current issues in Lake County and unite Rotarians with other local stakeholders for sustainable, high-impact outcomes.
1. Immigration Support and Community Integration Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights that at least 12 people were arrested by federal immigration enforcement agents in Lake County, with Waukegan taking the step of barring federal agents from city properties to create a safer environment for immigrant residents. This demonstrates significant community concern around immigration enforcement, fear among residents, and a need for support services for immigrant families. These events align strongly with Rotary’s focus on “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” and “Community Economic Development.”
Potential Partners: - HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) in Waukegan - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park) - Local legal aid organizations (e.g., Prairie State Legal Services) - Faith-based institutions with immigrant outreach (e.g., Most Blessed Trinity in Waukegan)
Next Steps: 1. Organize a community forum or resource fair in collaboration with trusted local partners to provide legal information, rights education, health screenings, and access to emotional support. 2. Recruit translators/volunteers from within the Rotary and partner groups to assist at the event. 3. Fundraise for an emergency legal defense fund for families facing deportation proceedings, providing grants or subsidies for legal representation. 4. Publicly advocate for inclusive and safe communities through op-eds and participation in city council meetings where immigrant rights are under discussion.
2. Environmental Stewardship and Education Program in Local Parks
Context:
Lake County features prominently in recent outdoors column coverage, emphasizing the beauty and importance of local shrubs, understory trees, and autumnal foliage. The continued attention to local flora signals both an appreciation and a need for stewardship. Environmental protection and youth engagement remain vital areas for Rotary, particularly as communities seek to balance growth with sustainability.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves District - Waukegan Park District - Lake County Audubon Society - School environmental clubs (e.g., Stevenson High School's Green Team) - Horticulturist Michael Dirr (referenced as an expert in local flora)
Next Steps: 1. Develop a seasonal “Adopt-a-Park” restoration day focusing on planting native shrubs and trees, removing invasives, and educating families about local ecosystems. 2. Collaborate with forest preserve rangers and local horticulturists (such as Michael Dirr, if available) to lead educational nature walks or youth-led citizen science projects. 3. Apply for District Rotary environment grants or initiate a local fundraiser to supply planting materials, tools, and interpretive signage highlighting the value of native plants. 4. Promote the event through schools and community centers to engage youth and families and provide opportunities for service hours and hands-on science enrichment.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish's achievement at the Regional Spelling Bee highlights both local talent and widespread engagement, with 73 schools and hundreds of students participating. This reflects a strong community interest in youth literacy, academic competition, and educational achievement across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Local School Districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56, etc.)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Public Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local Businesses willing to sponsor prizes or refreshments
- Local Media (Lake County News-Sun), for promotion and coverage
Recommended Project:
Organize an annual "Lake County Rotary Youth Literacy and Academic Festival," including spelling, reading, and writing competitions with workshops and guest speakers like past spelling bee champions (e.g., Visharad Sathish). The festival can also supply free books to low-income families, promote library card sign-ups, and offer parents information on supporting literacy at home.
Next Steps:
- Assemble a committee from the local Rotary club(s) to reach out to the above partners.
- Secure a date and centrally located venue, such as a public library, school gymnasium, or community center.
- Invite Visharad Sathish and past regional/high-achieving students to speak or mentor.
- Apply for District and/or Rotary International grants for books, supplies, and event costs.
- Promote the event via schools, social media, and local news outlets.
2. Community Health Access & Affordable Care Act (ACA) Awareness Campaign
Context:
Lake County residents are facing potential average cost increases of 78% for Affordable Care Act health plans if current subsidies expire. Given Waukegan’s and Gurnee’s socioeconomic diversity, many families may struggle to understand their options or to find affordable care. This creates significant community need for support with enrollment, education, and advocacy on health coverage, aligning directly with Rotary’s focus on health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Erie Family Health Centers (which serve Lake County)
- Local insurance brokers and navigators
- Faith-based organizations and social service agencies
- Local news media and libraries for outreach
Recommended Project:
Launch a “Rotary Community Health Navigator Days” initiative. Organize free, multi-site help sessions staffed by trained volunteers and certified ACA navigators to help residents understand options, enroll or renew coverage, and find low-cost health services. Include interpreter support for Spanish and other commonly spoken languages.
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County Health Department and community health organizations to identify ACA navigator partners and training opportunities.
- Identify accessible venues in Gurnee, Waukegan, and other high-need areas for holding enrollment events.
- Coordinate Rotary volunteer shifts and solicit bilingual Rotarians or community volunteers.
- Create and distribute multi-lingual flyers and digital ads to promote the sessions.
- Collect anonymous feedback and data to assess outreach impact and advocate for continued or expanded health coverage support.
These two projects will leverage recent news, pressing local needs, and strong potential for Rotary impact in education and health – both central to your community.
1. Community Health Project: Addressing Gaps in Dental Health & Medical Emergencies among Youth
Context:
Recently, a Spring Grove teen tragically died following a dental procedure at a clinic in Grayslake. This event underscores concerns about the availability of dental health education, access to safe care, and preparedness to handle medical emergencies in community settings serving youth. The news also highlighted a candlelight vigil for a young student athlete, signaling a community currently concerned about youth safety, health, and well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local dental clinics (e.g., participating Grayslake area practices)
- School districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake
- American Red Cross (for emergency preparedness training)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
a. Host a Community Forum, in partnership with health professionals and local pediatric dentists, to provide dental health and safety education to families.
b. Organize workshops at schools and community centers about recognizing and responding to medical emergencies, including hands-on CPR and first-aid training.
c. Fundraise for oral health kits to be distributed to youth in need, in collaboration with school nurses and local clinics.
d. Coordinate with school administrators and PTAs to assess interest and schedule recurring safety trainings.
2. Food Security Initiative: Supporting Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand
Context:
Local news reports that Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County communities like Grayslake, are experiencing a dramatic increase in visits over the past year. With the national and state context of suspended SNAP benefits and legal battles over food assistance, food insecurity is a top concern for local families.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- The Roberti Community House (Waukegan)
- Area businesses (for donation box placements and sponsorships)
- Local youth groups or high school service clubs
Next Steps:
a. Organize a Rotary-driven food drive and fundraising campaign tailored for critical fall and winter periods, engaging both local businesses and schools.
b. Coordinate volunteer shifts at partner pantries to both stock shelves and directly assist families, while collecting data on emerging needs.
c. Seek sponsorship or matching gifts from businesses for special drive-thru or pop-up food distribution events in heavily impacted neighborhoods.
d. Consider a long-term partnership to sponsor the acquisition of refrigeration equipment or “healthy food” subsidies for local pantries, ensuring ongoing access to perishable and nutritious foods.
1. Youth Mental Health and Neurodiversity Support Fair
Context:
The upcoming “Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair” (Nov 15 at 122 Hawthorn Ctr, Vernon Hills) highlights both ongoing local concern and available resources for neurodiverse youth and those with neurological conditions in Lake County. Across the Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas, growing mental health needs—especially for children and teens—have been reported post-pandemic, and families continue seeking both information and community connection.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools and school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair organizers
- Local mental health providers and advocacy groups (e.g., Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County)
- Vernon Area Public Library District
- YMCA and youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Contact the organizers of the Neuro Universe Resource Fair to offer Rotary volunteers to help with event logistics, outreach, and resource-sharing.
- Partner with local schools and libraries to co-sponsor youth workshops or family support info sessions post-fair.
- Develop and publicize a Rotary-funded mini-grant program for local nonprofits or schools piloting new mental health or neurodiversity initiatives for youth.
- Consider hosting an educational program or community panel during Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing together local providers, educators, and families.
2. Lake County Winter Clothing & Food Drive for Families in Need
Context:
With a range of community fall and winter events (e.g., the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market, Hot Cocoa Stroll in Vernon Hills) and ongoing economic pressures, many Lake County families are entering the colder months facing food and basic needs insecurity. Local school districts have flagged increased need among students, especially for winter gear and healthy food. Rotary’s focus on community health and basic needs makes a winter clothing and food drive a timely and high-impact choice.
Potential Partners:
- Local farmers markets (e.g., Grayslake Farmers Market)
- Community organizations such as Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries (Waukegan)
- Local churches and faith groups
- Gurnee and Waukegan police/fire departments as drop-off sites
- Area businesses (e.g., grocery stores, local coffee shops) as collection points
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with winter event organizers (e.g., Hot Cocoa Stroll, KC’s Cabin Holiday Pop Up Shop) to set up Rotary-manned donation booths for food and winter clothing (coats, gloves, hats, boots).
- Publicize the drive with schools and via Patch and social media to encourage community participation.
- Partner with food banks to arrange sorting, packing, and direct delivery of goods to families and shelters throughout Lake County.
- Explore options for a matching grant or “double your impact” campaign to increase donations and community engagement.
- Thank donors and share impact stories in early 2026 at local Rotary meetings and in community news outlets.
These two projects strongly support the ongoing needs expressed in recent Lake County events and news, aligning with Rotary’s focus on youth and community health.
1. Battery Safety & Environmental Collection Drive
Context:
A lithium-ion battery discarded in household trash started a fire inside a garbage truck at a Lake Forest facility. This highlights a pressing, ongoing need for public education and safe disposal options regarding rechargeable and hazardous batteries—a key concern at the intersection of community safety, environmental stewardship, and public awareness.
Potential Partners: - Lake Forest Fire Department (recent responders to the incident) - Solid waste and recycling companies serving Lake County - Local environmental or sustainability groups (e.g., SWALCO - Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) - Retailers with battery recycling programs (Best Buy, Home Depot) - School environmental clubs
Next Steps: - Reach out to the Lake Forest Fire Department and SWALCO to discuss collaborative messaging for battery safety and collection points. - Organize a community-wide battery collection event at a central location (e.g., city hall, libraries, or at the new Lake Forest playground opening event). - Develop bilingual educational materials and social media campaigns about safe battery disposal, why it matters, and where to go. - Engage middle/high school students as volunteers or sustainability ambassadors to support the event and share messages with peers and families. - Seek sponsorship from local businesses or retailers for event costs or incentives (discounts, raffle prizes for participants).
2. Math Initiative for Middle School Girls
Context:
Lake Bluff Middle School and the School of St. Mary from Lake Forest recently excelled at the Woodlands Academy Mathalon, highlighting growing student enthusiasm and ability in math. This presents an opportunity to broaden access to STEM enrichment and mentorship for youth, especially girls, aligning with Rotary’s education and youth area of focus.
Potential Partners: - Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart (event host) - Local schools: Lake Bluff Middle, the School of St. Mary, Waukegan and Gurnee school districts - Local STEM professionals/Rotarians (engineers, scientists, educators) - Girl Scouts or other youth development organizations - Organizations supporting girls in STEM (e.g., Girls Who Code)
Next Steps: - Contact Woodlands Academy and participating middle schools to explore co-hosting math enrichment workshops or a regional Mathalon follow-up event. - Collaborate with school math teachers and counselors to identify interested students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds and neighboring communities like Waukegan and Gurnee. - Recruit local Rotarians and industry partners as mentors, speakers, or workshop leaders. - Promote scholarship or summer camp opportunities in STEM. - Publicize the program to raise visibility for girls in math and encourage broader participation, possibly culminating in an annual celebration or showcase event.
1. Community Food Security and Resource Fair (Aligned with: Community Health, Supporting Vulnerable Families)
Context:
Illinois and Lake County are directly affected by the ongoing lawsuit over the suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, with 693,000 statewide and many thousands locally depending on food assistance. The threat or disruption of SNAP impacts food security, especially in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas, where there are sizeable populations at risk of food insecurity. The news of possible benefit loss will create urgent need for supplemental food resources, nutrition education, and social services outreach.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (regional food bank serving Lake County)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local social service agencies (Catholic Charities, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Area school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee SD 56)
- Local supermarkets or farm markets
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with key local food partners to assess needs and identify target neighborhoods/schools.
- Schedule a large-scale community resource fair that combines a food distribution event with on-site specialists helping families sign up for any available assistance (WIC, Medicaid, local pantries), nutrition demos, and health screenings.
- Seek sponsorships or in-kind donations from local grocers or businesses.
- Engage high school students or Interact clubs for volunteer support and outreach.
- Promote the event widely via partner networks, schools, and social media.
2. Youth Safety & Mental Health Awareness Program (Aligned with: Youth, Peace and Conflict Prevention, Community Health)
Context:
The news cycle highlights multiple recent traumatic events, including a double homicide at Great Lakes Naval Station housing, heightened law enforcement activity (including a gun-related arrest and Border Patrol disruptions at a children’s parade), and community tension around policing. Combined with national concerns about youth mental health, these events point to an urgent local need for programs centered on trauma support, conflict prevention, and youth outreach—especially in Waukegan, Gurnee, and the broader Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police (for community relations/building trust)
- Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- School social workers, Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Mental health counselors and local youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Reach out to law enforcement community outreach liaisons and local mental health organizations to co-create a workshop series for schools and youth organizations.
- Secure speakers trained in trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, and mental health self-care.
- Organize events at local schools, youth centers, and park district facilities; include parent/caregiver participation.
- Develop and print/distribute a resource guide listing local hotlines, counseling services, and reporting avenues for violence or mental health crisis.
- Measure impact via participant surveys and plan for ongoing support or peer mentoring components, possibly in partnership with Rotary’s Interact or Rotaract youth programs.