Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Food Security:
Opportunity: "Lake County Winter Pantry Drive and Family Wellness Fair"
Context:
Lake County has seen ongoing food insecurity, especially during colder months when energy costs rise and school breaks mean loss of access to school meals. Organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries frequently report increased demand during winter. Area schools in Waukegan and Gurnee have high rates of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, indicating widespread need.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries
- Gurnee and Waukegan School Districts (D56, D60)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Walmart)
Next Steps:
- Contact Northern Illinois Food Bank and COOL Ministries to coordinate logistics and determine specific household needs.
- Partner with local schools and grocery stores for donation bins and promotion.
- Organize a one-day “Family Wellness Fair” featuring healthy food distribution, flu shots, and free health screenings staffed by local clinics (i.e., Lake County Health Department).
- Recruit Rotarians and local volunteers for collection, sorting, and event staffing.
2. Education & Youth Development:
Opportunity: "Waukegan STEM Mentorship & Resource Campaign"
Context:
Post-pandemic learning gaps persist in Lake County, with Waukegan and Gurnee educators citing ongoing struggles in math and science. Recent news highlighted continued appeal for STEM resources and mentorship, especially for underserved youth. Area schools lack both materials and sustained adult support for afterschool STEM programming.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library
- Local STEM businesses (AbbVie, Medline)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- College of Lake County (student mentors)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Waukegan Public Library and District 60 to identify schools/centers most in need.
- Reach out to local corporations for STEM kit donations or funding.
- Recruit adult and college-student mentors to commit to regular afterschool STEM labs or “Maker Evenings.”
- Organize fundraising (e.g., trivia night or online auction) to purchase science kits and coding robots.
- Develop a rotating schedule of mentors and materials, with Rotary members as ongoing supporters and facilitators.
These projects directly advance Rotary’s priorities in health, hunger, education, and youth empowerment, and respond to the current context and reported needs in the Lake County area.
Certainly! Based on recent news and trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the Lake County area, here are two Rotary project recommendations aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and current community needs:
1. Youth Empowerment & Mental Health Awareness Initiative
Context:
Lake County schools, including those in Gurnee and Waukegan, are in the midst of fall sports seasons such as football and basketball. The news spotlighted student-athletes and local youth achievements, yet rising concerns continue about youth mental health nationwide, especially during high-stress times like playoffs and new academic years. The importance of mental health for both academic and athletic performance makes this an urgent avenue for service.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School (Gurnee)
- Local school district offices and counselors
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County)
- Athletic associations (IHSA, school coaches)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to school administrators and counselors to assess needs and gauge interest in workshops or awareness campaigns.
2. Organize a series of mental health awareness events (e.g., speaker series, stress management workshops, peer support training) tailored for student-athletes and their families.
3. Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department and NAMI for resources and facilitators.
4. Seek sponsorship or fundraising opportunities—host a community fun run or sports challenge inviting local teams, with proceeds supporting ongoing youth mental health programs.
2. “Greener Lake County” Environmental Cleanup and Education Drive
Context:
Waukegan’s revitalized lakefront, ongoing casino construction, and community events indicate increased public use of outdoor spaces. With the casino expecting greater foot traffic and entertainment options, parks and green spaces, especially near the waterfront, will see growing use. Ensuring environmental stewardship aligns with Rotary’s focus on the environment and supports both tourism and community well-being.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan Parks and Recreation Department
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local environmental groups (e.g., Citizens’ Greener Evanston, Go Green Lake County)
- Waukegan Port District, local businesses (especially the new casino and hospitality venues)
- Youth service organizations and area schools
Next Steps:
1. Meet with city and park officials to identify priority cleanup areas and align with existing schedules (target casino-adjacent and lakefront parks).
2. Schedule recurring community cleanup days—invite casino employees, local businesses, schools, and youth groups.
3. Simultaneously develop and distribute educational materials on litter prevention, recycling, and sustainable use of parklands.
4. Fundraise through a “Sponsor a Shoreline” program—local businesses and casino patrons can sponsor segments of beach/park with signage recognition, funding native plantings, benches, or recycling bins.
5. Track and publicize results—share stories of impact through local news and Rotary channels to encourage further participation.
These two project areas—youth mental health and environmental stewardship—directly support Rotary’s core values, promote broad community collaboration, and respond to current themes in Lake County news and community life.
Context:
The recent achievement of Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old from Lake Forest Country Day School, winning the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and earning a spot at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, showcases both remarkable individual talent and the strong community support for youth education and literacy. With participation from 73 Lake County schools and hundreds of students, there is clear enthusiasm for academic enrichment opportunities, particularly related to reading and language arts.
Rotary’s Area of Focus Alignment:
- Basic Education and Literacy
- Supporting Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education: Michael Karner (Regional Superintendent), Courtney Curry (Assistant Regional Superintendent)
- Local schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Lake Forest Country Day School)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas
Project Concept and Next Steps:
a. Spelling Bee Enrichment Fundraiser
Host a community spelling bee event—open to both students and adults—as a fundraiser to support literacy programs. Feature local champions like Visharad and other regional spelling bee participants for demonstrations, mentorship, and recognition. Proceeds could help fund reading scholarships, purchase books for school/libraries, or support sending underprivileged students to academic competitions.
- Contact relevant schools and the Regional Office of Education to coordinate speakers and participants.
- Engage libraries as event co-sponsors or hosts.
- Reach out to local businesses for sponsorships/prizes.
b. Youth Mentorship & Tutoring Program
Create a Rotary-led afterschool or weekend literacy mentorship/tutoring program, with local spelling bee participants as junior mentors and Rotary members as facilitators. Focus on vocabulary building, reading strategies, and public speaking. This can dovetail with existing school initiatives and foster greater youth engagement and achievement.
- Collaborate with Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School) and other dual language specialists for program design.
- Invite previous spelling bee participants and older students to serve as mentors.
- Promote via schools and public libraries, targeting students most in need of literacy support.
Context:
The recent Lake County Regional Spelling Bee was a marathon event, lasting over 45 rounds and demanding intense preparation and resilience from participants. While such competitions build academic skills, they can also induce considerable stress and pressure in young students, as noted by parents and educators. Support systems for youth mental wellness during high-stakes academic situations are essential—especially as competitive environments become more demanding.
Rotary’s Area of Focus Alignment:
- Disease Prevention and Treatment (emphasis on mental health)
- Supporting Youth
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- School counselors and social workers from involved schools
- Lake County Health Department—Youth Mental Health Initiatives
- Local mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
Project Concept and Next Steps:
a. Workshop Series: “Healthy Minds in Academic Competition”
Launch a workshop and resource series for students, parents, and educators on strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and pressure related to academic competitions. Topics could include mindfulness, time management, healthy habits, and how to foster resilience.
- Partner with school counselors or local health professionals to design and lead interactive sessions.
- Offer at local schools, libraries, or as webinars for county-wide access.
- Develop take-home resource kits or digital guides.
b. “Resilience for Youth Champions” Scholarship Fund
Establish a Rotary-funded grant or scholarship for students demonstrating both academic excellence and healthy leadership in balancing competition with well-being, potentially recognizing participants like Visharad Sathish and supportive peers.
- Work with schools to identify and nominate students.
- Arrange recognition events and connect scholarship recipients with Rotary mentors.
These two projects directly address the thriving youth academic scene in Lake County, build on recent community accomplishments, and ensure that both academic growth and student well-being remain top priorities.
1. Community Health & Family Support: Baby Formula Safety Awareness and Infant Wellness Drive
Context:
The recent botulism outbreak linked to recalled baby formula—with confirmed cases in Illinois, including Lake County—has caused concern for families and highlighted needs for both emergency resources and education. The increase in visits to local food pantries, as reported, suggests some families rely on donated or affordable formula that may be affected by national recalls.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pediatric clinics and hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Health System, NorthShore Medical Group)
- Waukegan and Gurnee library districts (for outreach and distribution points)
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children) local program offices
Next Steps:
- Organize an informational and distribution event at local food pantries and public libraries, focusing on formula safety, recognition of recalled brands, and infant health.
- Recruit local pediatricians or health educators to provide talks or Q&A sessions for families.
- Collaborate with food banks to collect and distribute safe formula or emergency diaper/baby supply kits.
- Promote the event through Rotary networks, schools, and social media, prioritizing high-need zip codes in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund outreach materials and emergency supply purchases.
2. Environment & Youth Engagement: Lake County Pumpkin Recycling and Sustainability Education
Context:
Grayslake and Lake County have promoted community pumpkin recycling following Halloween, demonstrating growing interest in environmentally responsible waste disposal. However, ongoing education and participation—especially among youth—remains a need, as composting and recycling programs are underutilized.
Potential Partners:
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan District 60, Grayslake District 46, and area high schools)
- Youth organizations (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, environmental clubs)
- Municipal Environmental Commissions and Park Districts
Next Steps:
- Lead a countywide youth art/poster contest to promote composting and sustainable holiday practices (pumpkin recycling, leftover food composting, etc.), culminating in a service day at recycling dropoffs.
- Volunteer as Rotarians at existing and expanded pumpkin recycling collection points, engaging youth as event co-chairs to foster leadership.
- Partner with SWALCO to create educational workshops and presentations for schools and community centers, with a focus on hands-on sustainability lessons.
- Seek grant funding (such as Rotary District Environmental Grants) to print educational materials and fund school garden composting bins.
- Publicize results and impact via local news and social media to encourage year-round sustainability engagement.
1. Community Health Initiative: Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair Collaboration
Context: On November 15, the Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair will take place at 122 Hawthorn Ctr, Vernon Hills. Events like these signal the growing local need for support and awareness around neurodiversity, mental health, and accessible community resources for neurodiverse individuals and their families. Lake County organizations, including schools and health providers, have highlighted a shortage of both public education and hands-on local resources in this field.
Potential Partners: - Neuro Universe/Mosaic Counseling & Wellness - Local school districts (e.g., District 127, 128) - Advocate Aurora Health or Lake County Health Department - Vernon Area Public Library - Illinois Autism Society (local chapters)
Next Steps: - Reach out to event coordinators at Neuro Universe to explore co-sponsorship or expanded involvement (e.g., Rotary-run booths, on-site resource fair support, collection of educational materials). - Organize Rotary volunteers for fair set-up, guiding families, and translation services. - Develop or sponsor a series of ongoing workshops on mental health and neurodiversity in partnership with local specialists and educators. - Coordinate a micro-grant or fundraising campaign to supply local schools and families with neurodiversity resources (sensory kits, therapy vouchers, etc.). - Publicize Rotary's involvement to attract additional community support and funding.
2. Education & Youth Support: Kim Muno Scholarship Fundraiser
Context: The "Kim Muno Scholarship Goal" event is scheduled for November 30 at Libertyville High School under the banner "Open Doors to Education." Scholarship fundraising provides critical access to higher education, particularly important in Lake County, which faces ongoing equity gaps in educational achievement and college matriculation, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Potential Partners: - Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School - Lake County Community Foundation - College of Lake County Foundation - Local businesses (for event sponsorship or donation matching)
Next Steps: - Connect with Kim Muno Scholarship organizers to learn more about student needs and how Rotary can support their fundraising or programming. - Organize a signature Rotary fundraising event (dinner, silent auction, or walkathon) specifically for college scholarships targeting at-risk youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. - Recruit volunteers to mentor students through the scholarship application process. - Pursue matching grants from local companies or foundations to maximize scholarship funds raised. - Share student success stories through Rotary communications to inspire ongoing donations and volunteer engagement.
Both initiatives align with Rotary’s focus areas by strengthening community health and education, building sustainable partnerships for ongoing impact.
1. Community Health & Youth: Baby Formula Safety Campaign and Emergency Supply Fundraiser
Context:
With Illinois experiencing a botulism outbreak affecting infants due to contaminated baby formula (23 babies affected across 13 states, with Illinois included), Lake County families may be at heightened risk. Many may remain unaware of the recall, safe feeding guidelines, or lack resources to purchase alternative formula. This aligns strongly with Rotary’s areas of focus on maternal and child health and supporting healthy communities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pediatricians and clinics (e.g., Lake County Health Center)
- Food pantries such as Northern Illinois Food Bank and area churches
- Local media (Patch, Daily Herald) for outreach
- Waukegan and Gurnee Mothers’ Clubs or parent support organizations
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Health Department to discuss current gaps in recall outreach and needs for affected families.
- Organize an awareness campaign in English and Spanish about the formula recall, safe formula use, and signs of infant botulism, leveraging social media and distributing flyers at clinics, libraries, and congregations.
- Launch a community formula drive and fundraiser: Raise funds and collect approved brands of formula (post-recall list) to distribute through pantries, clinics, and schools in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas.
- Mobilize Rotary club members and youth (Rotaract, Interact) to assemble informational kits and help with distribution events at central locations.
- Track outreach impact in coordination with public health officials and adjust focus as needed.
2. Supporting Seniors: Holiday Connection & Supply Drive for Older Adults
Context:
Following recent reports (e.g., “Lake County Partners in Aging”) on Lake County’s rapidly growing senior population and the work of local nonprofits serving older adults and caregivers, there’s a recognized need for enhanced social connection, delivery of basic supplies, and support—especially as winter approaches and rates of isolation tend to rise. This project supports Rotary’s areas of focus on community health and supporting the aging population’s dignity and independence.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Partners in Aging
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local senior centers (e.g., Park Place Senior Center, Waukegan)
- School groups or youth organizations (Woodlands Academy, Scouts)
- Local businesses (Waukegan Tire, Episcopal Preschool for intergenerational engagement)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Partners in Aging to identify seniors most in need of winter supply kits (personal care, nonperishable foods, blankets) and those interested in holiday connection calls or visits.
- Organize a supply drive in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities, seeking donations at schools, churches, and local businesses.
- Recruit volunteers—including Rotary members, students, and Scout troops—to assemble and deliver kits before mid-December and schedule phone or in-person visits for holiday cheer.
- Partner with senior centers and local police/fire departments to identify those who are homebound or isolated.
- Gather testimonials and feedback to shape ongoing or future supportive service projects.
These two projects will directly address urgent health and social needs for both vulnerable infants and seniors in the community, leveraging Rotary networks and relevant local partnerships.
1. Safe Roads and Youth Education Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights a fatal crash in Lake County involving the death of Darren Lucas, possibly linked to a TikTok livestream (“Police Probe Link Between Fatal Crash, TikTok Livestream,” Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff). This tragedy points to broader concerns about road safety, distracted driving, and social media’s effects on youth behavior. Rotary’s focus on youth education and community safety aligns well with an initiative to address these concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Libertyville (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan High School, Libertyville High School)
- Lake County law enforcement, particularly traffic safety officers
- Local chapters of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
- TikTok Safety ambassadors or social media experts
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with area schools to schedule presentations or curriculum on distracted driving and responsible social media use.
- Invite law enforcement and safety advocates to partner on an awareness campaign, including interactive demonstrations (e.g., simulating distracted driving).
- Seek grants or sponsorship for educational materials and event costs (possible support from insurance agencies or Rotary District Grants).
- Integrate a youth leadership component: train student ambassadors to serve as peer educators on road safety.
- Launch a public awareness drive—social media campaign, poster contest, or public service announcements—with involvement from local teens.
2. Emergency Community Response and Family Support Fundraiser
Context:
Multiple recent incidents in Lake County—such as the missing persons case at Diamond Lake and warnings about tainted baby formula in Tinley Park—highlight a persistent need for rapid local response and support for families facing crises (e.g., “Diamond Lake Searched As Police Look For Missing Man,” Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff; “2 Babies Sickened In IL, Parents Warned Not To Use Recalled Baby Formula,” Tinley Park). Such emergencies particularly strain underserved and immigrant communities in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Waukegan)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local faith-based groups and food pantries (such as COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Bilingual community volunteers
Next Steps:
- Organize a community-wide fundraiser (potentially a winter walk/run or cultural dinner) to create or bolster a rapid-response fund for families facing emergencies (abductions, sudden illness, contamination events, etc.).
- Work with existing networks (family resource centers, police, healthcare providers) to identify and support at-risk families.
- Include a component for distributing safety/health kits: basic supplies, information in English and Spanish, and rapid resource guides tailored to immigrant and low-income families.
- Recruit and train community members to serve as family liaisons in times of crisis, working with Rotary as trusted connectors to services and information.
- Publicize the fundraiser and initiative through local media (e.g., Patch, Univision Chicago), schools, and at community events to maximize reach and participation.