Certainly! Based on recent community needs and Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two relevant service or fundraising opportunities for the Rotary Clubs of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County:
1. Community Food Insecurity Initiative in Lake County
Area of Focus: Community Health & Supporting Local Families
Context:
As we approach Thanksgiving, local letters to the editor (“Give without expectation”) and community messaging emphasize the need for kindness, listening, and giving back. With the ongoing economic challenges and inflation, food insecurity remains a major concern for families throughout Lake County. Area food pantries report increased demand during the holidays and colder weather.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (https://solvehungertoday.org/)
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local churches and student organizations (e.g., National Honor Society at Waukegan High School)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess their immediate needs and gaps in donations or volunteers for the winter and holiday season.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored food drive (“Cans for Caring”) across schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
- Set up volunteer shifts with Rotary members at the pantries to package, distribute, or deliver food to homebound families.
- Publicize the event via local media, school district newsletters, and social platforms.
- Use funds raised to supplement food purchases (such as culturally appropriate holiday meal kits) for underserved families.
2. Youth Mental Health and Resilience Program
Area of Focus: Education & Youth Empowerment
Context:
The guiding message in the local opinion pages about “giving” and community listening highlights growing anxiety, isolation, and stress among area youth. Lake County schools and families continue to grapple with post-pandemic mental health challenges. There is a strong local need for programs that build resilience, encourage peer connections, and support open conversations about mental well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (offers youth resilience workshops)
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (Districts 60 and 121)
- Youth organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with school counselors, teachers, and parents to identify priority needs among middle and high school students.
- Design or fund a series of mental wellness assemblies or after-school workshops focused on social-emotional skills, coping strategies, and healthy relationships.
- Work with existing non-profits (such as Zacharias Center) to bring professional facilitators and evidence-based curricula into schools.
- Launch a fall fundraising dinner (“Give without Expectation Gala”) with proceeds going to youth mental health programs and scholarships for at-risk students.
- Offer volunteer opportunities for Rotarians to mentor or support youth through established programs.
These two projects address immediate community needs—nutrition/hunger and youth well-being—while aligning closely with Rotary’s service mission and established focus areas.
1. Project: Community Holiday Meal & Resource Connection Event
Context:
Recent coverage highlighted that Lake County groups are distributing turkeys for Thanksgiving, noting, "The community has been through a lot." Economic challenges, food insecurity, and evolving needs remain prevalent in the area, especially among families in Waukegan and Gurnee. The effort reflects both immediate hunger needs and the value of community connection during the holidays.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries—Food Pantry (Waukegan/Gurnee)
- Local churches and schools (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Warren Township High School)
- Salvation Army of Lake County
- Local restaurants or grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored community meal event, inviting families for a shared holiday meal (e.g., Christmas or winter holiday dinner in December).
- Partner with food pantries and area schools to identify families in need and coordinate food donations.
- Incorporate a Resource Fair component, offering access to information about social services, job training, and health resources.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary, school organizations, and partner nonprofits.
- Seek local business sponsorship and in-kind donations for food and supplies.
- Create a sign-up and outreach campaign through social media, Flyers, and school communication channels.
2. Project: Autism Education Support & Awareness Initiative
Context:
A new Libertyville autism clinic just opened, underscoring the growing need for local resources supporting children and youth with autism and their families, especially as related debates (e.g., vaccines) intensify in the area. There is a clear opportunity to help address gaps in education, support, and inclusion—one of Rotary’s primary areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Recently opened Libertyville Autism Center
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee D56/D121)
- Autism Society of Illinois
- Parent support organizations, local pediatricians/therapists
Next Steps:
- Host an Autism Resource Night or educational workshop in partnership with the new clinic and school districts, providing families with information, access to experts, and support networks.
- Facilitate sensory-friendly activities for youth with autism as part of Rotary’s existing youth programs.
- Create and distribute informational toolkits for parents and educators about evidence-based autism resources and local services.
- Pursue Rotary district grants to fund materials, event costs, or specialized equipment for local classrooms or clinics.
- Launch a parent/caregiver support group in collaboration with the clinic.
- Coordinate awareness campaigns during key months (e.g., Autism Awareness Month in April).
These opportunities leverage current news, Rotary’s mission, and meaningful partnerships to address local needs in Lake County.
1. Literacy and Academic Enrichment Initiative for Youth
Context:
Lake County’s robust participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee—highlighted by seventh-grader Visharad Sathish’s victory and journey to D.C.—demonstrates widespread youth engagement and academic ambition. Hundreds of students from 73 schools competed, showing both an appetite for learning and a community invested in academic success. Rotary can meaningfully support literacy, academic confidence, and expansion of these opportunities, especially for students in underserved local schools.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Area middle schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Matthews Middle School in Island Lake, and others that participated)
- Local libraries and parent-teacher organizations
- Literacy nonprofits or local tutors
- Business sponsors (e.g., bookstores for prizes or resources)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Michael Karner and school representatives to identify needs (books, study materials, transportation to competitions, mentorship, prize funding).
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored “Spelling Bee Readiness Camp” or academic enrichment workshops, bringing volunteers into schools to tutor or mentor participants.
- Launch a fundraising campaign for resources or scholarships for competitors from lower-income families.
- Plan an annual Rotary Literacy Night to celebrate participants, highlight winners, and broaden engagement to other literacy pursuits (e.g., reading competitions, essay contests).
- Publicize successes and raise visibility through local media outreach.
2. Mental Wellness and Resilience Program for Academic Competitors
Context:
The intense nature of the spelling bee—45+ rounds, hours of focus, and mounting pressure—mirrors the high-stress scenarios more Lake County youth are experiencing in competitive academics, sports, and extracurriculars. Comments from parents, judges, and students (“this is no different than a sport”) highlight the psychological endurance required. There is a community need to provide outlets and support for students’ mental resilience, especially before major competitions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County schools and guidance counselors
- School-based mental health professionals
- Youth services organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department, youth centers)
- Local mental health advocates/practices or counselors specializing in youth
- Parent groups
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with school officials (including Ashley Whitaker, instructional specialist at John Lewis Middle School) to co-host mental wellness workshops for spelling bee participants and their families.
- Secure speakers to address strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and developing healthy study and competition habits.
- Fundraise to provide toolkits, mental health literature, and calming resources (e.g., guided meditation apps, mindfulness journals) for participating students.
- Initiate an annual “Rotary Resilient Minds” event before high-pressure academic seasons, open to all students in the district, to foster community-wide conversation and support.
- Track and share impact through testimonials from students, parents, and educators to adapt programming in future years.
Both project ideas directly serve youth, advance education and literacy, and meet high-visibility and high-need community priorities in Lake County’s school and civic landscape.
1. Food Insecurity Response: Support for Sue's Pantry and Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent local reporting highlights that Chicago-area food pantries—including those in the Lake County region—are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year. Meanwhile, Sue's Pantry in Grayslake has had to find a new home, signaling a period of transition and likely increased operational needs. Food insecurity is hitting local families hard, and the approaching winter months typically escalate these challenges. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting community health and meeting basic needs.
Potential Partners:
- Sue's Pantry (now relocated in Grayslake)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local faith-based organizations (e.g., United Protestant Church of Grayslake)
- Lake County Community Action Partnership
Next Steps:
a) Meet with leaders at Sue’s Pantry to discuss their most urgent needs post-move (shelving, refrigeration, volunteer staffing, or sorting food drives).
b) Organize a Rotary-sponsored winter food drive, collecting nonperishables from partner businesses, schools, and community events (such as the Grayslake Festival of Lights).
c) Seek corporate or grocery store partners for matching donations or food recovery.
d) Coordinate volunteer shifts, both in logistics and in direct food distribution, especially during peak demand/giving seasons.
e) Advocate for sustainable food programs (backpack/weekend meal kits for students), and explore grant opportunities for pantry expansion or equipment needs through Rotary District or Foundation channels.
2. Youth Enrichment and Safety Initiative: Outreach at New Adventure Park
Context:
A new adventure park is set to open in the area—a positive development for youth recreation, active living, and family engagement. Simultaneously, reports of child solicitation stings and a missing persons case highlight ongoing youth safety concerns in Lake County. Rotary’s focus on youth support and education aligns with community needs for both enrichment and protection.
Potential Partners:
- Management of the new Adventure Park
- Local police departments (community policing/outreach units)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
Next Steps:
a) Connect with park management to propose a Rotary-sponsored “Safe & Active Kids Day” at the adventure park, with information booths, activities, and presentations focusing on safety, mentoring, and positive health choices.
b) Invite local law enforcement and child advocacy professionals to lead brief workshops or interactive sessions with children and parents on staying safe (“stranger danger,” internet safety, emergency contacts, etc.).
c) Organize donation drives for youth safety gear (bike helmets, reflectors, first aid kits) for distribution at the event.
d) Launch a volunteer sign-up for ongoing mentorship or afterschool activity support, recruiting Rotary club members to help sustain youth engagement beyond the single event.
e) Evaluate outcomes and consider scaling up to a series or partnering with nearby school districts for co-sponsored educational programming.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL
1. Access to Nutritious Food through an Enhanced Farmers Market Program
Focus Area: Community Health & Fighting Hunger
Context:
The Fall Grayslake Farmers Market scheduled for November 29 is an important community event that helps connect residents with local food producers. However, many low-income families in Lake County, particularly in Waukegan and North Chicago, face food insecurity and may not have easy access to or funds for fresh produce.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market organizers
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Salvation Army of Lake County
- Local farms and CSAs
- Waukegan Township
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with Farmers Market organizers to initiate a “Rotary Fresh Food Vouchers” program, offering vouchers for fresh produce to families in need, redeemable at the market.
- Organize volunteer transport for senior citizens or individuals without access to reliable transportation.
- Seek grant funding through Rotary Foundation or local sponsors.
- Promote the program through local churches, libraries, and social service agencies ahead of market days.
- Evaluate impact and collect stories that may help expand the initiative to other area markets.
2. Expansion of Access to Education and Scholarships
Focus Area: Education & Youth Development
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship Goal event on November 30 at Libertyville High School (via Open Doors to Education) highlights the ongoing need to support students’ access to higher education, especially those facing financial barriers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County. With college costs rising, increased scholarship funding and wraparound support remain a pressing local priority.
Potential Partners:
- Open Doors to Education
- High school guidance counselors in Gurnee and Waukegan
- College of Lake County’s Foundation (for possible scholarship expansion)
- Local businesses willing to sponsor or participate in fundraising
Next Steps:
- Meet with Open Doors to Education and school counselors to assess current scholarship needs and gaps.
- Plan a signature Rotary fundraising event—such as a “Scholarship Gala” or “Trivia Night”—tying proceeds to the Kim Muno Scholarship or a new Rotary-funded scholarship for Lake County students in need.
- Create a mentorship program, pairing Rotary members with scholarship applicants to provide college prep support.
- Promote the scholarships and application process in Waukegan and Gurnee through schools and local media.
- Evaluate success annually and consider expanding scholarships to vocational or technical training paths as well.
These two service opportunities—one focused on healthy food access and the other on educational empowerment—address identified needs in the community and directly align with Rotary’s mission. Each provides a clear path for partnership, impact, and sustainable service in Lake County.
Based on the recent news coverage from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary's areas of focus and relevant to current community needs:
1. Porch Piracy Prevention and Community Safety Campaign
Context:
Recent news highlighted a rise in porch piracy (theft of packages from homes), a crime of opportunity that escalates during the holiday season. This issue affects residents' sense of security and well-being, aligning with Rotary’s commitment to supporting community safety, peace, and supporting environmental sustainability by reducing package loss and reshipment. There is a need to support vulnerable community members (especially seniors or those using life-sustaining deliveries), provide public education, and foster police-community partnerships.
Potential Partners:
- Local police departments (e.g., Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Neighborhood watch groups and homeowner associations
- Local hardware/home security retailers (such as Waukegan Tire, who may diversify to home security products for promotion)
- Package delivery services (UPS, USPS, FedEx)
- Local media outlets (e.g., Patch)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a meeting with police liaisons and neighborhood associations to discuss recent theft trends.
b. Create and distribute educational flyers on preventive measures (e.g., secure delivery options, using video doorbells, tips to thwart porch pirates).
c. Organize community "Porch Safety Days" offering discounted or free home security consultations or installations in partnership with local businesses.
d. Fundraise for and distribute lockboxes or video doorbells to low-income or high-risk households.
e. Evaluate the impact and look for opportunities to expand “Porch Pirate Prevention” beyond the holiday season.
2. Supporting and Recognizing Youth Achievement in the Arts and Academics
Context:
Recent local news has celebrated youth achievements, such as a local student earning a perfect ACT score and Lake Forest residents participating in notable performing arts productions and competitions (e.g., Rebecca Hutchinson in "Annie," Courtney Croll as state-ranked tennis player). These stories highlight the need to encourage and sustain youth development in both academics and the arts, aligning with Rotary’s focus on education and youth empowerment.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools and arts organizations (Woodlands Academy, Music Theater Works)
- Community theaters and youth ensembles
- Libraries and community centers
- Local media and Patch staff who have covered local achievements
- Area businesses for sponsorship (e.g., The Episcopal Preschool, Waukegan Tire)
Next Steps:
a. Create an annual “Rotary Spotlight Awards” event (in-person or virtual) to honor exceptional youth (academic, artistic, and athletic) and provide small scholarships or recognition certificates.
b. Host a collaborative fundraising gala or performance night featuring student talents, with funds going toward scholarships, school arts, or sports programs.
c. Partner with local schools to provide mentorship, career talks, or skill-building workshops led by Rotary members and community professionals.
d. Publicize youth successes in Rotary and partner communications to inspire further participation and support.
e. Set up ongoing partnerships for student internships or shadowing in Rotary-sponsored community service projects.
Both projects offer opportunities for service hours, public awareness, and positive community impact in direct response to current trends and needs highlighted by recent local news stories.
1. Community Health & Mental Wellness Support for Great Lakes Naval Base Families
Context:
Recent reports in local news highlight an unsettling increase in deaths at the Great Lakes Naval Base, with the Lake County Coroner’s Office recording 10 deaths—a figure above normal. Several of these incidents implicate challenges with mental health, stress, and resource shortages that affect both service members and their families living on or associated with base housing. With the base being a significant presence in the Lake County area, this event signals a pressing need for community-backed mental wellness and support initiatives.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (behavioral health services)
- Great Lakes Naval Base Family Support Center
- Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- Gurnee and Waukegan Public Libraries (venues for outreach)
- Local mental health practitioners/organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps:
a. Reach out to the Naval Base Family Support Center and Lake County Health Department to identify gaps in existing mental health and wellness resources.
b. Plan a “Rotary Day of Wellness,” featuring resource fairs, free mental health screenings, workshops on stress management, and distribution of informational packets.
c. Seek volunteer licensed counselors (potential Rotary speakers/members), and organize sessions focused on suicide prevention, family support, and resilience for both adults and youth.
d. Launch a Rotary fundraising drive to finance continued workshops, resource guides, and confidential counseling subsidies for families in need.
2. Youth & Community Education Initiative: Porch Pirate Prevention and Financial Literacy
Context:
As highlighted in regional Lake County news, porch piracy (theft of delivered packages) is on the rise, especially around the holidays. This not only leads to loss of goods but also reduces trust and safety in neighborhoods. At the same time, the news spotlights strong academic achievement in local youth and hints at the community’s investment in education and safe neighborhoods.
Potential Partners:
- Local police departments (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville)
- GLMV Chamber of Commerce
- Local schools—Districts 50 (Gurnee) & 60 (Waukegan)
- Neighborhood Watch groups
- Local small businesses (home security, tech, insurance)
Next Steps:
a. Collaborate with local law enforcement and school resource officers to develop educational workshops for youth and families about preventing package theft, cyber safety, and home security basics.
b. Combine porch pirate prevention education with a “Holiday Giving” drive—fundraising for care packages or porch security tools (cameras, lockboxes) for senior citizens and low-income families.
c. Integrate a session on financial literacy—addressing what to do if you’re a victim of theft, how to protect personal assets, and smart online shopping.
d. Launch the project at a well-publicized community event (possibly in partnership with the GLMV Chamber) and use Rotary-branded “Porch Safety Promise” window clings as both a fundraiser and outreach tool.