Based on the stories reviewed from November 24, 2025, for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, there are limited local news items directly related to these specific communities in the provided content. However, considering the recent focus on Thanksgiving, food access, and community support, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities well aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and community needs:
1. Holiday Food Security Initiative: "Winter Meal Drive & Pantry Support"
Rotary Focus Area: Community Health and Hunger Relief
Context:
With coverage highlighting a turkey distribution to families in need in Maine Township and increased food insecurity during the holidays, there’s a clear need in the broader region for continued food access support. Local pantries and organizations in Lake County, including in Gurnee and Waukegan, can experience shortages post-Thanksgiving but face ongoing demand through the winter.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local faith-based organizations
- School district social workers (who know families needing assistance)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess winter inventory needs.
- Organize a January or February community food drive, leveraging Rotary volunteers and bringing in youth partners (e.g., Interact Clubs).
- Set a collaborative fundraising goal, combining food and monetary donations to maximize impact (e.g., $5,000 = 10,000 meals).
- Promote via local media, schools, and township offices to ensure broad community engagement.
2. Educational Equity & Resource Drive: "Learning Access for All"
Rotary Focus Area: Education and Youth Empowerment
Context:
Although not discussed in depth in the recent news, Lake County, including Waukegan, consistently experiences educational disparities with under-resourced students, especially after holiday breaks when many face shortages in school supplies or learning materials. With the approach of the new calendar year and second school semester, it's critical to restock supplies and support local youth.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60
- Gurnee School District 56
- United Way of Lake County ("Success By 6" and student support programs)
- Local libraries (for educational programming)
- Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs)
Next Steps:
- Meet with district leadership and school counselors to identify most-needed supplies and resources (e.g., chromebook chargers, winter gear, new books).
- Launch a "Back-to-School, Mid-Year" supply drive—physical donations, with an online giving option.
- Organize Rotarians and youth clubs to assemble and deliver kits to target schools by the end of January.
- Explore grant options (Rotary District Grants or local foundations) to amplify impact and potentially fund after-school tutoring or enrichment programs with local libraries.
Both opportunities correspond with Rotary’s focus on fighting hunger, supporting healthy communities, and advancing education, while fostering broad community partnerships and measurable impact in Lake County.
Based on the recent news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s focus areas:
1. Community Food Security and Holiday Meal Support
Rotary Focus Area: Community Health, Fighting Hunger
Context:
Recent reports (“Lake County groups giving away turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving: ‘The community has been through a lot’,” Nov 21, 2025) highlight continued, significant food insecurity in Lake County. Local residents are seeking not only turkeys but also basic groceries for Thanksgiving amidst ongoing economic pressures. Community leaders underscore that “the need persists even beyond the holidays.”
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Food Pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Pantry)
- Local businesses (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Aldi)
- Faith-based organizations (Catholic Charities of Lake County, local churches and mosques)
- Lake County Health Department (for nutrition and wellness tie-ins)
Next Steps:
- Connect with food pantry managers and local clergy to assess post-holiday needs.
- Organize a winter food drive through Rotary clubs in Gurnee and Waukegan, focusing on shelf-stable and healthy foods.
- Coordinate with school districts (e.g., Gurnee D56, Waukegan D60) to distribute food vouchers for families with school-age children.
- Consider a fundraising dinner or raffle event, with proceeds purchasing bulk groceries and hygiene products.
- Pursue a longer-term partnership to sponsor monthly community meals or fresh produce giveaways, especially targeting “food deserts” identified by Lake County Health Department.
2. Support for Youth with Autism and Special Needs
Rotary Focus Area: Education, Supporting Children, Disease Prevention
Context:
A new autism clinic recently opened in Libertyville—an event taking place as the debate over vaccine information intensifies and local families continue to navigate limited resources for children with special needs (“Libertyville autism clinic opens as vaccine debate intensifies,” Nov 23, 2025). Many families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas face long waitlists or affordability barriers to specialized services.
Potential Partners:
- The new Libertyville Autism Clinic and affiliated healthcare providers
- Schools and special education parent groups (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan District 60)
- Advocate Aurora Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem (for medical outreach)
- Local therapy and counseling centers
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District (for inclusive recreation)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Libertyville autism clinic director to explore co-hosting an “Autism Resource Fair” for families in Lake County, offering access to services, therapies, and expert speakers.
- Organize a Rotary Family Fundraiser (such as a fun run, “sensory-friendly” movie night, or art auction), with proceeds supporting therapy scholarships or direct clinic support for underserved families.
- Connect with school district social workers to identify immediate barriers facing students with special needs (e.g., transportation, school supplies, afterschool enrichment).
- Launch a club-led volunteer program, recruiting members to assist with respite care or tutoring for young people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Create an awareness campaign, in collaboration with local health systems, promoting reliable vaccination information and special needs inclusion.
Both projects can be launched early in 2026, directly responding to pressing local needs and amplifying Rotary’s service impact in Lake County.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Enrichment Initiative: Spelling Bee Enhancement and Literacy Support
Context:
The recent achievement of Visharad Sathish, a seventh grader from Lake Forest Country Day School, who won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and will represent the area at the National Scripps Spelling Bee, highlights the strong interest and talent in academic competitions among youth in Lake County. The event involved participation from 73 schools and was coordinated by educators like Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) and overseen by Regional Superintendent Michael Karner. This success not only reflects academic excellence but points to a community eager to support youth education, literacy, and achievement, aligning perfectly with Rotary’s area of focus on education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Superintendent; Courtney Curry, Assistant Superintendent)
- Local schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School, Lake Forest Country Day School, Matthews Middle School)
- Public libraries (Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake)
- PTA and school booster organizations
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss needs for expanded literacy programming, sponsorship of spelling bees, and tutoring support.
- Launch a Rotary Literacy Champions Program that recruits Rotarians and community members to mentor students in vocabulary, reading, and writing skills, focusing on schools with under-resourced literacy programs.
- Organize and sponsor a “Rotary Reading Rally”—a spelling and vocabulary event in Gurnee or Waukegan to prepare students for larger competitions. Use this as a platform for book donations, fundraising for school libraries, and promoting literacy awareness.
- Create fundraising campaigns and secure donations/grants to provide competition resources (study materials, travel scholarships for qualifying students, prizes for participants).
- Publicize student success stories (like Visharad’s) to inspire broad community involvement.
2. Community Health & Wellness Support: Youth Mental Health and Resilience Workshops
Context:
The spelling bee event’s intensity—featuring hours of competition, academic pressure, and the highly public nature of student achievement—spotlights both the dedication and stress levels facing high-achieving students and their families. In Lake County, increasing academic competitiveness, alongside regional and national concern about youth mental health, create a timely opportunity for Rotary to support youth wellness and resilience. This initiative aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
- School social workers and counselors (via Regional Office of Education)
- Local mental health nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Youth Services, National Alliance on Mental Illness Lake County)
- Parent and teacher associations
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with school administrators and mental health professionals to identify major stressors students face during academic competitions and daily school life.
- Develop and promote “Resilience for Champions” workshops—interactive sessions for students (and parents) on managing stress, building mental resilience, and healthy coping strategies around high-pressure events such as spelling bees and academic competitions.
- Incorporate mindfulness, stress management, and peer support content—with professional facilitators guiding the sessions at local schools and community centers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring towns.
- Leverage Rotary funding and volunteer capacity to remove barriers to participation (free sessions, transportation assistance, refreshments).
- Partner with school leaders like Michael Karner to ensure the programs are part of larger health and wellness efforts, and publicize successes at school board meetings and community events.
These two initiatives will foster both academic excellence and well-being among Lake County’s youth, demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to education and health, and create positive, sustainable community impact.
1. Expand Support for Local Food Pantries (Community Health, Supporting Basic Needs)
Context:
Recent news highlights that Chicago-area food pantries, including those in and near Grayslake, are seeing a spike in visits over the past year, pointing to growing food insecurity in Lake County. Additionally, Sue’s Pantry in Grayslake has found a new home, which may signal a period of transition and potential need for resources and community support. Seasonal drives like BHHS Chicago's Libertyville Thanksgiving Dinner Drive also indicate ongoing community food support initiatives.
Potential Partners:
- Sue’s Pantry (Grayslake)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local schools and faith organizations
- Other Rotary Clubs in the area
- Local grocery stores (Jewel, Mariano’s, Aldi)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Sue’s Pantry leadership to discuss their most urgent needs after relocating.
- Organize a joint food and monetary donation drive, focusing on high-need items, promoting through local schools, businesses, and events.
- Leverage upcoming holiday events (such as the Festival of Lights) as platforms for collection and awareness.
- Collaborate with Northern Illinois Food Bank to maximize impact and distribution.
- Arrange a volunteer “service day” where Rotary members and partners assist at the pantry or help with delivery logistics.
- Measure impact and explore future collaborations, including ongoing support initiatives or educational events on food insecurity.
2. Youth Empowerment and Scholarship Expansion (Education, Youth Development)
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship Goal event listed on the community calendar shines a light on educational support and youth recognition in the area. Scholarship opportunities, particularly those honoring local leaders, can have a substantial impact on local students, especially as economic uncertainty grows. There’s also mention of successful family/school bus traditions, showing community investment in youth.
Potential Partners:
- Kim Muno Scholarship organizers
- Local high schools (Grayslake Central, Waukegan High, etc.)
- Community foundations
- Local businesses interested in youth development (possible sponsors)
- Parents’ associations and school PTAs
Next Steps:
- Connect with Kim Muno Scholarship organizers to offer Rotary’s help in fundraising, promotion, or expanding the number/amount of awards.
- Plan a fundraising event (such as a trivia night leveraging the popular Team Trivia Wednesdays at the Village Center, or a holiday market booth) dedicated to the scholarship fund.
- Promote the expanded scholarship and Rotary’s commitment to education through social media, schools, and local press.
- Consider establishing a mentorship program for scholarship applicants and recipients, pairing them with Rotary volunteers or local professionals.
- Follow up with scholarship recipients to track impact and showcase success stories, encouraging further community support and engagement.
1. Educational Equity through Scholarship Fundraising: Support for the Kim Muno Scholarship
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship, as showcased in Libertyville’s recent events, is an active initiative that supports local students’ access to higher education. The recent event suggests the fund is at a critical juncture, likely indicating a need for significant fundraising or awareness to maintain or expand offerings. Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, has diverse student populations with varying access to resources. Supporting scholarship funds aligns with Rotary’s focus on Education and Literacy and would foster local talent.
Potential Partners:
- Kim Muno Scholarship organizers and the Muno family
- Libertyville High School and its “Open Doors to Education” campaign
- Local PTAs in Gurnee and Waukegan
- College of Lake County Foundation
- Local businesses for matching gifts or sponsorship
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Kim Muno Scholarship administrators to assess current funding needs and discuss collaboration possibilities.
- Propose a joint fundraising event (such as a trivia night, silent auction, or benefit dinner) co-hosted by the Rotary Club and the scholarship committee.
- Engage area high schools (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville) to involve students and educators.
- Publicize the partnership widely via social media, news outlets, and through Patch’s event listings to maximize turnout and donor engagement.
- Ensure that proceeds directly benefit underserved students in Lake County, with a possible expansion to include students from all three communities.
2. Community Wellness Initiative: Mobile Health & Senior Support Fair
Context:
The scheduled “Mobile DMV” event at Libertyville Senior Center highlights local interest in making critical services accessible to seniors. Given that Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County area have sizable elderly populations, expanding the availability of mobile services to include health screenings, information on senior programs, and wellness checks would address Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment and Community Health focus areas.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville Senior Center and similar centers in Gurnee and Waukegan
- Mobile DMV operators and Illinois Department of Aging
- Lake County Health Department (for mobile health vans)
- Advocate Aurora, Northwestern Medicine, or clinics providing screenings
- Local pharmacies (for flu shots or medication consultations)
- Area senior advocacy groups
Next Steps:
- Approach the Libertyville Senior Center about expanding the mobile services event to include Gurnee and Waukegan locations, not just DMV services but also healthcare and wellness offerings.
- Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department to bring mobile health services (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes screening) to scheduled fairs.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary members to assist with event logistics and outreach to isolated seniors.
- Secure sponsorship or in-kind support from local healthcare providers and pharmacies.
- Use Rotary’s network to publicize the event series and arrange transportation for seniors with mobility challenges.
- Collect feedback post-event to measure impact and refine for future iterations.
These projects support both immediate and long-term needs in Lake County communities, closely aligning with Rotary’s principles and areas of focus.
1. Youth Arts & Education Partnership: Support Lake County Youth in the Arts
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Youth Development
Context:
Local youth are showcasing strong involvement in arts, as seen with Lake Forest resident Rebecca Hutchinson’s feature in "Annie" at Music Theater Works, and Woodlands Academy’s honors in tennis (Courtney Croll). Opportunities to expand access to arts and extracurriculars can benefit many area students, particularly from Waukegan and Gurnee where arts funding may be more limited.
Potential Partners:
- Music Theater Works
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Waukegan Park District & Gurnee Park District youth programming
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Local businesses (sponsors), such as Waukegan Tire
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Music Theater Works and Woodlands Academy to explore co-hosting a mentorship day or workshops in Waukegan/Gurnee schools.
- Coordinate with the Park Districts or local schools to host a youth arts showcase or multi-disciplinary talent show, featuring students from across Lake County.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (concert or art auction) to fund arts materials, transportation, and workshop fees for under-resourced schools.
- Promote Rotary involvement, with members volunteering as mentors, event facilitators, or sponsors.
2. Community Health & Safety Outreach: Supporting Military Families and Residents
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health
Context:
Libertyville’s recent news that 10 deaths were reported at Great Lakes Naval Base and associated housing spotlights a potential area of concern for military families’ well-being. Serving and supporting the health, safety, and resilience of local military-connected residents is both timely and needed.
Potential Partners:
- Great Lakes Naval Base Family Services
- Lake County Health Department
- Local VFW chapters
- Military Family Support organizations
- Local healthcare providers
Next Steps:
- Meet with Naval Base Family Services to discuss most pressing needs (mental health support, family programming, transitional assistance).
- Organize a community health fair dedicated to military families, featuring screenings, flu shots, and access to mental health counselors.
- Run a fundraising drive to support emergency financial assistance or wellness kits for military families in need.
- Coordinate with VFW and veterans’ advocates to provide regular social events or educational seminars on navigating military-specific resources.
- Involve Rotary volunteers in event planning, outreach, and distribution of health materials.
These opportunities align with Rotary’s commitment to youth education, community health, and making a tangible difference in response to pressing, current local needs.
Certainly! Based on the provided news items and Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two service or fundraising project ideas tailored for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, with context, potential partners, and suggested next steps:
1. Mental Health Awareness & Support Campaign for Military Families and Youth (Focus: Community Health, Youth Support)
Context:
Recent coverage indicates a concerning spike in deaths at the Great Lakes Naval Base, with the Lake County Coroner noting that 10 fatalities were reported in a single year—well above normal averages. Military families in the area, including youth, may be facing heightened stress, isolation, or mental health challenges. Community conversations about mental health, especially in military contexts, remain urgent and often underfunded.
Potential Partners: - Great Lakes Naval Base (Family Support Programs) - Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Division) - NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - YMCA of Lake County (Military Family Programs) - Local schools and youth groups
Next Steps: - Reach out to Family Support Services at Great Lakes Naval Base and NAMI Lake County to schedule exploratory conversations. - Organize a mental health resource fair and panel discussion for military families, featuring local clinicians, peer support leaders, and youth advocates. - Develop a targeted outreach campaign for base personnel, families, and local students, including resource materials and confidential mental health screenings. - Explore a fundraising walk/run or awareness event to support subsidized counseling services for affected families and youth, leveraging military and local business sponsorships.
2. Holiday Food & Essentials Drive for Local Families in Need (Focus: Community Health, Economic Development, Youth Support)
Context:
Libertyville and greater Lake County see increased food insecurity and economic stress, especially around the holidays. Local reports highlight both enduring need (as seen in recurring food drive mentions) and a strong spirit of community giving, with events like the GLMV Chamber’s November initiatives and the holiday market season. Given the gap exacerbated by inflation and economic instability, coordinated support for families—particularly those with children and teens—remains essential.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - GLMV (Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills) Chamber of Commerce - Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel, Walmart, Whole Foods—recently in the news) - Community schools, Parent-Teacher Organizations - Local faith-based groups
Next Steps: - Collaborate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and GLMV Chamber to identify neighborhoods and families most at risk of food insecurity. - Arrange for donation sites at participating supermarkets, schools, and Rotary meetings; consider joint events with the holiday market or “November Days In GLMV.” - Organize youth volunteers (possibly from school Key Clubs or Interact Clubs) for packing and distributing care packages; include essentials like non-perishables, warm clothing, and personal care items. - Publicize the drive through local media, business partners, and social media to maximize reach and impact.
Both projects would leverage Rotary’s strengths in convening partners, mobilizing volunteers, and ensuring community needs are met with compassion and sustainability.