1. Neighbors in Need Support: Addressing Hunger, Health Care, and Homelessness
Context:
The Daily Herald’s fifth annual “Neighbors in Need” campaign highlights rising community concerns related to food insecurity, homelessness, and health care inequity in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. Local nonprofits are struggling with increased demand and limited resources as families face hardships.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County) - PADS Lake County (homelessness services) - Lake County Health Department - Local businesses (as food/supply drop-off points or sponsors) - School districts (for outreach to families in need)
Next Steps:
- Organize a hands-on Rotary fundraising drive in partnership with “Neighbors in Need,” benefiting local food pantries and shelters.
- Launch a community awareness campaign about hunger, homelessness, and available assistance, potentially through Rotary’s established networks and local newsletters.
- Host a “Day of Service” combining meal packing, health kit assembly, and on-site volunteering at PADS shelters or the food bank.
- Coordinate with schools to identify families most at risk and ensure resources are directed efficiently.
- Seek grant opportunities through Rotary District/RI for matching funds.
2. Environmental & Preparedness Initiative: Winterization and Outdoor Equipment Education
Context:
A recent submission from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, coupled with the approaching winter, spotlights the need for community education about safe and sustainable winterization methods for outdoor equipment. Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County’s residents could benefit from reliable, eco-friendly tips both to extend equipment lifespan and minimize environmental hazards associated with improper disposal or maintenance—especially important as winter weather can impact vulnerable residents’ health and safety.
Potential Partners: - Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (subject-matter expertise and materials) - Lake County Forest Preserves (venues, environmental stewardship) - Local hardware stores (host workshops, donation of supplies) - Municipal sustainability offices - Youth groups/scouting troops (volunteer involvement and education component)
Next Steps:
- Organize a series of free public workshops (“Winter Ready: Eco & Equipment Fairs”) at community centers or libraries, teaching safe winterization, equipment maintenance, and eco-friendly practices.
- Create volunteer teams to assist seniors and low-income neighbors with outdoor chores and equipment checks (“Adopt-a-Neighbor for Winter” program), ensuring elderly and disabled residents are safe and prepared.
- Provide information and recycling drives for old/outdated equipment and hazardous materials to prevent environmental harm.
- Engage youth volunteers (e.g., Interact or scouting groups) for education, hands-on support, and community environmental stewardship.
- Collaborate with local government and businesses for publicity, funding, and sustainability expertise.
Both projects directly support Rotary’s areas of focus (community health, education, environment, and supporting the vulnerable) and can be tailored to meet the pressing local needs evidenced in current regional news.
1. Educational Support Amid Trinity Christian College Closure
Context:
Recent headlines highlight the imminent closure of Trinity Christian College, a significant local institution. This will impact current students, especially those from the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County area, who may need assistance transferring, accessing mental health support, or finding new educational pathways. Rotary’s area of focus in education and supporting youth aligns directly with these emerging community needs.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools and community colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Lake County Workforce Development
- School counselors and local youth nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Trinity Christian College’s student services office
- Lake County Library System
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with School District representatives and college counselors to identify affected students.
- Design a Rotary-sponsored “Student Transition Day” offering workshops on transfer applications, mental health/wellness, scholarship searches, and networking with other colleges.
- Enlist Rotarians for mentorship, resume review, and mock interview panels.
- Fundraise to build a “Rotary Student Support Fund” providing small grants for transfer fees, textbooks, or transportation.
- Publicize through local media, Trinity Christian College, and partner organizations.
2. Environmental Clean-Up and Community Health Initiative
Context:
Increased development, such as the redevelopment of the former Solo Cup site in Highland Park, and broader regional growth, raise environmental and public health concerns in Lake County. Redevelopment brings opportunities and risks around open space, pollution, and sustainable infrastructure. Lake County’s waterways and parks are vital to community health, and youth leadership in environmental stewardship is needed, especially as these changes accelerate.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society, Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves)
- Highland Park city planners
- Local schools with green clubs or STEM programs
- Local healthcare organizations for public health tie-ins
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary “Clean & Green Lake County” Day focusing on local parks, waterways, or areas near new developments.
- Collaborate with city and township officials to identify priority clean-up zones and restoration projects.
- Recruit youth and student volunteers and provide leadership or service hours.
- Fundraise for tree planting, pollution mitigation supplies, and awareness signage in English and Spanish.
- Host educational booths during the event about ongoing environmental issues, water conservation, and healthy outdoor activity for families.
These projects address current local news and support Rotary’s mission to advance education, environmental sustainability, youth support, and community health.
Certainly! Based on current news and community context in Lake County (including Gurnee and Waukegan), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Youth Academic Achievement & Education Support Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the regional spelling bee and will represent the county at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This highlights both the achievements and needs of high-performing youth as well as the hundreds of local students who participated in the spelling bee process. There is growing public interest in supporting educational excellence and providing equitable academic opportunities across all Lake County schools.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local School Districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Public Libraries
- Local businesses (for sponsorships)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
- Convene with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss gaps in academic enrichment, literacy, and resources, particularly for students from underserved backgrounds.
- Develop a fundraising campaign (e.g., “Send Our Champs to D.C.” or a community spelling bee night) to provide travel support for county winners and help fund participation in enrichment programs or competitions for other motivated students.
- Create a mentorship program where Rotary members or community volunteers provide coaching, language/literacy practice, and school outreach.
- Coordinate with public libraries for venue space and joint programming.
- Organize recognition events for academic achievers and educators to further promote youth achievement.
2. Environmental Restoration & Education Project in Lake County Wetlands
Context:
A recent Loyola study spotlighted the importance of muskrats in combating invasive cattails and restoring biodiversity in Great Lakes wetlands. Northern Lake County includes critical wetland and shoreline habitats that benefit from conservation efforts. With increased public awareness, there’s an opportunity to combine hands-on environmental service with science, education, and youth engagement for lasting community benefit.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Loyola University Chicago (environmental science department)
- Local schools’ science clubs
- Environmental non-profits (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society)
- Village/city governments
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Lake County Forest Preserves and Loyola University to discuss ongoing wetland restoration efforts and identify current needs (volunteers, educational materials, equipment).
- Organize community wetland cleanup and restoration days, inviting students, families, and Rotary members to participate—potentially with interpretive walks or live demonstrations about biodiversity.
- Launch a “Junior Environmental Steward” program: an educational curriculum or badge for local youth, incorporating classroom talks, field trips, and hands-on habitat monitoring.
- Seek grants and sponsorships for supplies, signage, and event support from environmental partners and local businesses.
- Publicize these events and outcomes to engage the broader community and strengthen Rotary’s environmental impact profile.
Both initiatives align with Rotary's core focus areas of education/literacy, youth support, and the environment, and directly respond to current events and community needs in Lake County, Gurnee, and Waukegan.
Rotary Service & Fundraising Opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL
1. Youth Violence Prevention and Support Initiative
Context:
Recent reports from Grayslake highlight a disturbing trend: multiple teens have been arrested and charged in connection with shootings into homes and vehicles. This underscores a need for positive youth engagement, violence prevention efforts, and support for at-risk young people in the wider Lake County area, including Gurnee and Waukegan.
Potential Partners: - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (already engaged in local fundraising and programming) - Local police departments (Grayslake, Gurnee, Waukegan PD) - School districts (Community High School District 117, Waukegan CUSD 60) - Existing youth-focused non-profits (e.g., YouthBuild Lake County)
Next Steps: - Convene a roundtable with youth organizations, school officials, and local law enforcement to discuss root causes, needs, and possible programming. - Organize an educational/community event or workshop series on conflict resolution, mentoring, and after-school engagement alternatives, possibly hosted at Boys & Girls Club or local schools. - Launch a targeted fundraiser (e.g., charity walk/run, Rotary gala, or online campaign) to support expanded programming for at-risk teens, with proceeds dedicated to mental health services, job skills workshops, or youth counseling. - Seek grants or matching gifts from Rotary International under the “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” or “Supporting Education” areas of focus.
2. Food Security & Nutrition Support for Low-Income Families
Context:
The Grayslake news notes Chicago-area food pantries have seen a major spike in visits over the past year, indicating rising food insecurity. With the holiday season approaching and demand not abating in communities across Lake County, there’s a clear need for enhanced local support.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Catholic Charities Lake County Services - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Local businesses (for food and fundraising drives) - Faith-based organizations
Next Steps: - Collaborate with partner food pantries to identify specific current needs (e.g., kid-friendly, healthy, or culturally appropriate foods). - Organize a Rotary-led community food drive, with local drop-off points at schools, businesses, and public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, and other Lake County communities. - Establish a “Pack the Pantry” volunteer day, where Rotarians and community members help sort, package, and distribute food at one of the regional pantries. - Host a fundraising dinner or virtual event to benefit local food banks, leveraging Rotary’s network for matching donations. - Publicize available food support resources across the region, possibly in multiple languages, to reach underserved populations and reduce social stigma.
Both projects address critical community issues, align with Rotary’s priorities, and provide clear pathways for clubs to collaborate with local partners and make an immediate impact in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County area.
1. Support for the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County through Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Context:
On November 5, CG Granite in Gurnee is hosting a Cabi Fashion Night fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Club organization is a critical resource for local youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, providing after-school programs, mentorship, and safe spaces for development—key to Rotary’s area of focus on “Supporting Education” and “Growing Local Economies.” Increased needs for youth enrichment and family support persist in the community, especially post-pandemic.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (Executive Director: Gloria Gray)
- CG Granite Countertops (Host venue)
- Local Cabi stylists and other business sponsors
- Gurnee and Waukegan school districts
- Local media (Patch, Daily Herald)
Next Steps:
- Contact Boys & Girls Club leadership to assess their greatest immediate needs (after-school supplies, literacy resources, or scholarships).
- Partner with CG Granite and similar businesses to co-host hands-on STEM or career skills nights for youth through the year, leveraging the momentum from the November event.
- Organize a Rotary-led “Wish List Drive” leading up to holiday break, collecting backpacks, books, and hygiene products for club members.
- Establish a mentorship or tutoring program partnering Rotarians with local students for academic support and career exploration.
- Utilize Rotary’s network to help promote and boost attendance for upcoming Boys & Girls Club fundraising events, and consider a club match challenge for donations raised at community events.
2. Community Health and Education Resource Fair Initiative
Context:
The Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair in Vernon Hills on November 15 points to an increasing interest in health, neurodiversity, and access to comprehensive community resources in Lake County. Both Waukegan and Gurnee have a significant population in need of health education, mental health support, and connection to social services—directly related to Rotary’s areas of “Disease Prevention & Treatment” and “Supporting Education.”
Potential Partners:
- Neuro Universe as a nonprofit (Fair organizer)
- Lake County Health Department
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
- Local healthcare providers (Advocate Aurora, Rosalind Franklin University)
- Area school districts’ student services departments
Next Steps:
- Connect with Neuro Universe organizers to identify gaps in available services or volunteers for their November event.
- Propose that Rotary Club co-sponsor a future health and resource fair, leveraging its volunteer base and network to include more diverse vendors and free health screenings.
- Organize a mobile health/resource outreach in Waukegan and Gurnee, providing flu shots, mental health check-ins, and healthy living kits (hygiene, nutrition info, etc.)—especially targeting underserved neighborhoods.
- Work with school social workers to distribute educational materials, or host parent workshops on mental wellness, brain health, and local support for families with special needs.
- Offer mini-grants or donations to expand existing resource fair activities (translation services, transportation vouchers for families, or stipends for guest speakers).
These opportunities directly increase Rotary’s community engagement and align with its mission to serve youth, support education, and foster healthier communities across Gurnee, Waukegan, and all of Lake County.
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment & Community Health
Context:
A recent fire at a Lake Forest garbage truck facility was sparked by an improperly disposed lithium-ion battery. As more electronics enter waste streams, improper disposal increases the risk of fires, environmental contamination, and community safety incidents. There is both an educational gap (about battery disposal) and a lack of convenient/visible recycling opportunities for batteries in Lake County and specifically in communities like Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Fire Department (for safety education and endorsements)
- Local waste management companies
- Village/city governments of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest
- Local schools (for youth education tie-in)
- Environmental organizations (e.g., SWALCO—Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with the Lake Forest Fire Department and SWALCO to assess battery disposal needs and existing programs.
- Organize a public awareness campaign on battery safety and provide clear information on proper disposal, targeting households and schools.
- Set up a series of Rotary-supported battery collection drives at community centers or libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest.
- Seek sponsorships and in-kind donations from electronic retailers for safe storage bins and marketing materials.
- Involve youth groups and scout troops in promoting and staffing collection events, connecting with Rotary’s youth engagement goals.
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Youth Development
Context:
Recent news highlights strong participation and success of local girls at the Woodlands Academy Mathalon, with notable finishes by teams from Lake Bluff Middle School and School of St. Mary, Lake Forest. This signals enthusiasm for STEM among local youth, as well as an opportunity to further broaden access—especially in more diverse or underserved communities such as Waukegan. Expanding or supporting STEM events can inspire students, foster inclusion, and build critical skills.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy and local schools (Lake Bluff Middle School, School of St. Mary, schools in Waukegan and Gurnee)
- Local businesses (especially those involved in science/technology)
- College of Lake County (for mentors, venues, and volunteers)
- Waukegan Public Library (possible venue for educational outreach)
- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts (for participant and volunteer engagement)
Next Steps:
- Meet with school leaders, local educators, and Woodlands Academy coordinators to explore opportunities to expand the Mathalon or launch a joint STEM fair initiative across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest.
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored mentorship program connecting STEM professionals with local students, emphasizing inclusion for girls and minorities.
- Secure funding and gather volunteers through Rotary events and member networks.
- Reach out to local businesses for sponsorships, prizes, and hands-on activity stations.
- Publicize the event through school newsletters, social media, and partnerships with community centers.
- Offer transportation stipends or support to ensure participation from underserved areas such as Waukegan.
Each project addresses pressing local needs and aligns with Rotary's core priorities, while leveraging prominent partners and building on recent community news.
1. Community Health Initiative: Addressing Listeria Awareness and Food Safety
Context:
A recent Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta meals has resulted in deaths and illness statewide, including in Lake County, with six fatalities reported across several states. Given the seriousness of foodborne illnesses—especially among elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and young children—this presents an urgent opportunity to promote community health.
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease prevention and treatment, community health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts for event hosting
- Local schools and senior centers
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning group including Rotary members and health officials to design a "Food Safety & Healthy Eating Fair" (could be timed ahead of major holidays when food-sharing increases).
- Invite health department specialists to speak on safe food handling, how to identify contaminated products, and provide educational material.
- Offer free-for-all handouts in English and Spanish; consider including free or discounted at-home food safety kits (thermometers, sanitizer).
- Seek local sponsorships or grant support for materials (e.g., Molina Healthcare, Jewel-Osco).
- Coordinate with local pantries to run food safety workshops for their clients, especially seniors.
2. Youth Empowerment Project: Underage Drinking Prevention & Positive Choices
Context:
A Beach Park resident was recently arrested for allowing minors to drink alcohol at home, highlighting ongoing concerns about youth substance abuse in Lake County. Incidents like these underscore the need for proactive youth education and support systems.
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting education, child health, youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and D.A.R.E. program
- Waukegan and Gurnee high schools (e.g., Warren Township High School)
- Youth-serving nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YouthBuild Lake County)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
Next Steps:
- Organize an "Empower Youth" symposium, pairing educational workshops on substance abuse, mental health, and healthy decision-making with fun, positive activities (e.g., sports, art, leadership training).
- Invite recovered individuals or community role models as speakers or mentors.
- Provide funding for after-school programs or weekend safe spaces dedicated to middle and high school students at local community centers.
- Seek co-sponsorships with law enforcement and health agencies for awareness materials and incentives (scholarships, recognition for peer-support leaders).
- Develop a campaign in local schools during National Red Ribbon Week (October), promoting positive choices and sharing resources for students and parents.
Both projects directly address urgent community needs identified in local news coverage and fit Rotary’s avenues of service and impact.