Based on the provided local news for November 18, 2025, and current community and seasonal needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Holiday Food Security and Community Meals Initiative
Context:
With Thanksgiving approaching and articles highlighting festive holiday foods (including nutritious, seasonal salads) as well as essays discussing rising costs and affordability concerns, food security is a timely, pressing issue. Many local families in Lake County, including in Waukegan and Gurnee, may face challenges providing holiday meals due to inflation or other economic pressures.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (well-established in Lake County)
- Local pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Warren Township Food Pantry)
- Local grocery stores and restaurants
- School districts for family outreach
Next Steps:
1. Convene a planning meeting with representatives from nearby Rotary clubs to define scope (meals, pantry distributions, gift cards, etc.).
2. Contact food banks and local pantries to determine current needs, logistical capacity, and opportunities for in-person meal service or delivery.
3. Launch a fundraising campaign, possibly themed “Season of Sharing,” asking community members and businesses to donate funds, non-perishable foods, or grocery store gift cards.
4. Organize a volunteer sign-up and schedule for meal prep, delivery, or distribution events the week of Thanksgiving and through the winter holidays.
5. Publicize the effort through social media and local press, inviting both volunteers and beneficiaries to participate.
2. Youth Education & Mental Wellness Lecture Series
Context:
The College of DuPage's newly launched Presidential Lecture Series—with an event featuring Dr. Peter Felten, an expert on higher education—demonstrates a current interest in supporting educational innovation and college readiness in the region. Additionally, given the challenges students face post-pandemic (academic, social, and mental well-being), there is a need for community initiatives promoting both education and youth mental health.
Potential Partners:
- Area high schools in Gurnee and Waukegan
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department, Youth Services organizations)
- Libraries and community centers
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to local school districts and the College of Lake County to gauge interest in co-hosting youth-focused events.
2. Secure guest speakers from higher education, counseling, and youth leadership backgrounds, possibly including experts like Dr. Peter Felten.
3. Design a series of after-school or weekend workshops targeting both students and parents, focusing on topics such as college preparedness, resilience, stress management, and healthy lifestyles.
4. Apply for a Rotary District Grant or partner with local organizations for funding and speaker honoraria.
5. Promote the series through school bulletins, community newsletters, and the press, inviting youth and families to participate.
These initiatives support Rotary’s focus areas—addressing immediate community health and nutrition, as well as advancing education and youth well-being—while leveraging local needs, seasonal opportunities, and potential partnerships in Lake County.
1. Educational Support Initiative for Schools Facing Budget Shortfalls
Context:
The Lake County News-Sun reports that a second Lake County school district is contending with a multi-million dollar budget crisis. Budget shortfalls often result in cuts to programs, enrichment activities, and vital student support services, directly impacting student success and well-being. With mounting financial strain, there is an acute community need to rally local support to fill critical gaps, particularly for vulnerable youth who might otherwise lose access to educational and developmental resources.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts in crisis (e.g., District 56 or District 60, if named in full articles)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- United Way of Lake County
- Local education-focused nonprofits (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
Next Steps:
- Engage district leadership to identify the most urgent needs: classroom supplies, after-school programs, or mental health resources.
- Organize a fundraising campaign or supply drive to support specific priorities (e.g., a “Fill the Gap for Kids” campaign targeting school supplies, books, or after-school club funding).
- Recruit and mobilize volunteers for mentoring or tutoring initiatives to support student learning, especially if staff reductions have occurred.
- Coordinate publicity and outreach through local media to build visibility and enlist broader community support.
2. Community Health and Access Drive in Partnership with UMMA
Context:
The Urban Muslim Minority Alliance (UMMA) in Waukegan is expanding its services and physical footprint by acquiring a former Catholic school. UMMA is well known for its social support, healthcare access, and community empowerment programs, especially for underserved populations. Their growth opens an opportunity for community collaboration to support health services, food access, and holistic family care—key Rotary areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- UMMA (lead partner)
- Local clinics (e.g., Erie Family Health Centers)
- Food banks (Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Houses of worship and interfaith coalitions
- Health-focused Rotary Action Groups
Next Steps:
- Meet with UMMA leadership to explore partnership opportunities, such as funding community health screenings, immunization clinics, or nutrition education sessions at the new facility.
- Plan and host a joint health fair or resource day at the newly acquired building, connecting residents to healthcare, healthy food, and support services.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers (including youth) to serve as event ambassadors, interpreters, or logistical support.
- Seek grant funding and in-kind donations (health supplies, food) from local businesses and healthcare institutions.
Both initiatives directly address urgent community needs and align with Rotary’s focus on supporting education, health, and underserved populations in Lake County.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, based on the recent news and community needs, directly aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. “Words for Success” – Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
The recent victory of seventh-grader Visharad Sathish in the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee highlights youth academic engagement in the area, with participation from students countywide and community pride surrounding academic competitions. However, access to enrichment resources like competitive spelling, vocabulary, and reading programs is not equal across all communities. Many public schools in Lake County, including those in Waukegan and Gurnee, serve students who could benefit from additional literacy support, mentoring, and access to educational resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, superintendent)
- Local schools (particularly schools participating in the spelling bee, e.g., Matthew’s Middle School, John Lewis Middle School, etc.)
- Public libraries
- Local businesses and bookstores
- Successful former spelling bee participants (e.g., Visharad Sathish and his family, Ian Leong) for mentoring
Next Steps:
1. Convene Rotary members and representatives from the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss collaborative programming focused on literacy and vocabulary enhancement.
2. Launch a “Words for Success” program, offering after-school spelling clubs, vocabulary workshops, or peer coaching in partnership with local schools, featuring role models who have participated in the bee.
3. Organize a fundraising event (e.g., community spelling bee for adults/businesses) to provide books, online resource subscriptions, and entry fees/materials for under-resourced schools.
4. Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers as spelling bee coaches and reading mentors.
5. Publicize success stories and outcomes, fostering countywide support for youth academic achievement.
2. “Lake County Reads” – Book Donation and Community Book Drive
Context:
The spelling bee finalists emphasized daily preparation, dictionary study, and extensive reading as keys to success. However, book access can be limited, especially for students in lower-income areas of Waukegan or Gurnee, potentially widening educational gaps. Providing new books and reading material supports equity in education and addresses Rotary’s focus on basic education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Local authors and bookstores
- Lake County libraries
- School parent-teacher organizations
- Youth-focused nonprofits (e.g., Reading Power, United Way of Lake County)
- Literacy-focused publishers such as Merriam-Webster or Britannica (linked via spelling bee sponsorships)
Next Steps:
1. Partner with schools and libraries to identify classrooms or neighborhoods with the highest need for new books and dictionaries.
2. Organize a countywide book drive—anchored by Rotary—requesting new and gently used books suitable for K-8 readers, including dictionaries and culturally diverse titles.
3. Engage local spelling bee participants and winners as “Literacy Ambassadors” to inspire students at book distribution events or reading nights.
4. Secure sponsorships and donations from local businesses, bookstores, and publishers to amplify the collection or contribute additional educational materials.
5. Publicly recognize donors and supporters, and share feedback from recipient students, to foster continued literacy advocacy.
Both initiatives directly support Rotary’s commitment to education, literacy, and youth development, engage the recent spelling bee momentum, and provide meaningful opportunities for Rotary and partners to serve the Lake County community.
Certainly! Here are two service or fundraising opportunities based on recent news and community needs in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL region. Each aligns with Rotary’s key areas of focus, grounded in the context provided by local news.
1. Project: "Lake County Youth Safety & Wellbeing Initiative"
Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting Education & Growing Local Economies / Peace and Conflict Prevention
Context: Recent local news highlighted youth mental health and safety challenges, indicated by a Grayslake teen being charged with attempted disarming of a peace officer and aggravated battery against an officer. Incidents like these, and the repeated mentions of youth-involved disturbances, underscore a regional need for proactive, supportive youth programs that foster skills, resilience, and positive engagement with law enforcement and the broader community.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee and Grayslake Police Departments
- Community Youth Network (CYN) Counseling Center of Lake County
- Local schools (Waukegan Public Schools, Grayslake Community High School)
- Lake County Juvenile Justice Council
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable (hosted by Rotary) with schools, police, mental health professionals, and youth organizations to identify specific issues and program gaps.
- Develop and promote workshops on conflict resolution, leadership, career readiness, and mental health support.
- Organize "Coffee with a Cop" youth breakfasts and career exploration events to build trust and communication between teens and law enforcement.
- Seek grants (possibly leveraging Rotary International or local business sponsorships) for program funding and incentives.
- Track program outcomes and adjust approach as needed for future impact.
2. Project: "Lake County Nourish: Food Security & Nutrition Drive"
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health / Fighting Disease
Context: Local news reported that Chicago-area food pantries have seen a spike in visits over the past year, highlighting food insecurity in Lake County communities. Economic strain means more people – including families, seniors, and children – are depending on supplemental food resources.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry in Grayslake)
- Local supermarkets and businesses (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Faith-based organizations (local churches and synagogues)
Next Steps:
- Organize a large-scale food drive with a dual focus on nutritious, shelf-stable items and fresh produce partnerships with local markets.
- Pair the food drive with a community health fair (blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, healthy cooking demos).
- Create a “Sponsor-a-Family” mechanism for sustained monthly food support.
- Promote the effort through schools, employer partners, and social media to maximize donations and volunteerism.
- Collaborate with local media (Patch, Daily Herald) to bring further visibility and garner more community and business partner support.
1. Community Health Initiative: Mobile Health Clinic Partnership
Context:
Lake County and surrounding areas, including Waukegan and Gurnee, continue to face disparities in access to affordable healthcare—especially among seniors and underinsured families. The presence of a “Mobile DMV” event at the Libertyville Senior Center demonstrates community engagement with mobile services. Building on Rotary’s focus area of "Disease Prevention and Treatment," and echoing local needs, a recurring Mobile Health Clinic could provide preventative screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes), flu shots, and health education at high-traffic community events like the Grayslake Farmers Market.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Advocate Aurora Health (Regional hospital network)
- Libertyville Senior Center
- College of Lake County Nursing Program (for student volunteers)
- Local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS—for flu shots)
Next Steps:
- Approach Lake County Health Department and health partners to assess interest/capacity for mobile clinics.
- Coordinate dates to align with established community events (e.g., Grayslake Farmers Market, Hot Cocoa Stroll in Vernon Hills).
- Organize a Rotary volunteer team for event-day registration, logistics, and health education.
- Create an outreach plan targeting vulnerable populations (public housing, senior centers, etc.).
- Seek in-kind donations or sponsorship from local healthcare businesses and pharmacies.
2. Supporting Education: Scholarship Fundraiser for Local Students
Context:
The “Kim Muno Scholarship Goal” effort at Libertyville High School highlights an ongoing community commitment to supporting students’ educational access and advancement. Rotary International’s "Basic Education and Literacy" area of focus aligns directly with this need. A Rotary-led scholarship fundraiser, possibly in partnership with Open Doors to Education, could expand the impact of the Kim Muno Scholarship or launch additional awards for underserved students in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Open Doors to Education (existing scholarship organization)
- Libertyville High School and area high schools (Warren Township, Waukegan HS, etc.)
- Local businesses and restaurants (for in-kind/prize donations or hosting fundraising events)
- Alumni associations and PTA groups
Next Steps:
- Meet with Open Doors to Education and local school leadership to identify current scholarship recipients’ needs and selection criteria.
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., charity dinner, trivia night, holiday market booth during KC’s Cabin Holiday Pop Up Shop) with proceeds earmarked for scholarships.
- Engage local businesses for sponsorships and matching contributions.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers for event planning, marketing, and outreach to ensure participation across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
- Work with schools to identify and promote the scholarship application process to students who most need support.
1. Fund Drive & Hands-On Help for Lake County Toys for Tots
Context:
As noted in recent coverage, Toys for Tots Lake County is actively collecting donations to provide holiday gifts for local children in need. With ongoing economic pressures, many families are struggling, and organizations like Toys for Tots are vital in bridging the gap by bringing holiday cheer to underserved youth.
Potential Partners:
- Toys for Tots Lake County chapter
- Local schools (e.g., Woodland District 50 in Gurnee, Waukegan School District)
- Local businesses (such as Waukegan Tire, already community-engaged as a Patch sponsor)
- Other service organizations, such as area Lions Clubs or churches
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Toys for Tots coordinator to identify greatest needs (volunteers, drop-off sites, types of toys needed, etc.).
- Organize a Rotary-led toy collection drive throughout Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. Leverage member businesses, schools, and houses of worship as collection sites.
- Establish a "Rotary Holiday Helpers" day, encouraging members and volunteers to sort and distribute toys at Toys for Tots warehouses or participate in delivery days.
- Publicize the effort through local news, social media, and flyers, especially targeting high-engagement locations like schools and places of worship.
- Consider hosting a fundraising event (such as a holiday breakfast or virtual raffle) to purchase toys for age groups often left out (teens, infants).
Rotary Areas of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy, Maternal and Child Health, Community Development
2. Lake County Senior Support Project: Partner with Lake County Partners in Aging
Context:
Lake County Partners in Aging, a Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board grant recipient, provides vital services for older adults and caregiver support. With the aging population and increasing isolation, especially post-pandemic, many seniors are at risk for food insecurity, loneliness, and lack of access to support services.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Partners in Aging
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local retirement communities and senior centers
- Advocacy groups such as AARP Lake County
- Area high schools (student service hours for intergenerational volunteer opportunities)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Partners in Aging to assess current unmet needs: transportation, wellness checks, meal delivery, social programming, caregiver respite.
- Organize and train Rotary club volunteers to assist with friendly visiting programs, meal delivery, or wellness calls ("Adopt-a-Senior" initiative).
- Develop and fundraise for a Caregiver Respite Microgrant Program to give small financial or in-kind support to family caregivers (i.e. for groceries, short-term help, or home supplies).
- Collaborate with high school service clubs for joint programs—such as teaching technology skills to seniors, facilitating games or arts sessions, or intergenerational storytelling events.
- Publicize successes and encourage ongoing participation through monthly check-ins and community spotlights (newsletter, social media, local media).
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting the Elderly, Community Development, Mental Health
These initiatives meet community-identified needs, leverage existing partners, and offer meaningful Rotary impact in Lake County.
1. Youth Digital Safety and Mental Health Initiative
Context:
Recent news from Lake County highlights tragic events connected to social media misuse, such as the fatal crash in Zion that is reportedly linked to a TikTok livestream. The incident achieved widespread attention and underscores both digital safety and youth mental health concerns. The Rotary Club can proactively address these pressing needs by educating youth and their families on responsible social media use and supporting mental wellness—aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus on youth, community health, and education.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan Community Unit School District) - Local mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department Behavioral Services) - Police youth outreach officers (Gurnee and Waukegan PDs) - Nonprofits specializing in cyber-safety (e.g., Erika’s Lighthouse, The Center for Cyber Safety and Education)
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with school district officials and mental health partners to discuss concerns and tailor programming. - Develop a calendar of digital safety/mental health forums for students and parents. - Recruit speakers (cyber experts, law enforcement, mental health counselors, and local teens with experiences to share). - Apply for a District Grant if funds are needed for educational materials or speaker fees. - Organize a high-visibility community event, potentially tying in with National Mental Health Awareness Month (May) or Internet Safety Month (June). - Evaluate potential to establish a recurring peer support or digital safety club in local schools, with Rotarian mentorship.
2. Environmental and Community Beautification Volunteer Day
Context:
Recent extreme weather noted in Lake County, including heavy rains, early snowfall, and continuing demolition/redevelopment projects (such as the Spring Hill Mall property), highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and give opportunity to engage in local revitalization. The transition at the Spring Hill Mall site could also present needs for interim community spaces or cleanup. Simultaneously, the county’s many lakes (Diamond Lake, currently in the news due to police activity) need ongoing care to prevent pollution and support wildlife—aligning with Rotary’s environment area of focus.
Potential Partners: - Local park districts (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District) - Lake County Forest Preserves - Environmental nonprofits (e.g., Sierra Club, Lake County Audubon Society, Friends of the Forest Preserves) - Village/city governments (spring property redevelopment councils) - Local businesses for sponsorship of supplies
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local officials and nonprofits for needs assessment (identify lakes, parks, or redevelopment areas most in need of litter pickup, planting, or other beautification).
- Coordinate a Volunteer Day for spring 2024, aligning with Earth Day in April or a date that fits local needs.
- Publicize the event in partnership with municipal communications and through social media.
- Organize Rotarians, youth volunteers (such as Interact Clubs if available), and community members.
- Arrange for supply donations or sponsorships (gloves, bags, refreshments).
- Consider a small fundraising angle: for example, sell native plants or trees for participants to take home, with proceeds supporting Rotary environmental projects.
- Document and share impact stories afterwards; consider making the event annual or expanding to multiple sites.
Both project ideas are highly visible, respond directly to recent local news, and foster strong, positive Rotary-community partnerships.