Certainly! Below are two specific Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus and informed by recent trends, known needs, and relevant context, even though the published news for November 27, 2025, appears limited. These recommendations reflect likely community needs in late fall and ongoing local issues.
1. Food Security and Thanksgiving Meals Expansion
Context:
With Thanksgiving highlighted in the news, food insecurity remains a critical local issue—especially in Waukegan and other parts of Lake County, where food pantry usage tends to spike during the holiday season. The tradition of giving thanks draws attention to community needs and opportunities to serve families struggling with food costs and inflation.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries (Waukegan-based pantry)
- Local faith groups such as St. Patrick’s Church (Wadsworth), First United Methodist (Waukegan), and local synagogues
- Lake County Health Department (for nutrition outreach)
- Local grocers (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Aldi), for in-kind donations
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with food pantry directors to assess urgent needs post-Thanksgiving and discuss ongoing gaps.
- Launch a December food drive focused on needs that spike in winter (protein, diapers, fresh produce).
- Organize volunteer meal-packing and delivery days, inviting youth groups and high school clubs for engagement.
- Seek matching donations from local businesses to amplify Rotary Club fundraising.
- Publicize via local newspapers and social media to reach potential donors and volunteers.
2. Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Initiative
Context:
Lake County and particularly the Gurnee and Waukegan areas have seen a rise in youth mental health concerns, as reflected in ongoing reports from area schools and healthcare providers. The increase in stress, anxiety, and youth suicidality nationally, and locally, remains a pressing issue. Rotary International names disease prevention and mental health under its focus area of Disease Prevention and Treatment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center
- Lake County Health Department—Child and Adolescent Mental Health programs
- High school counseling staff (Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School in Gurnee)
- Local chapters of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook
Next Steps:
- Reach out to school districts and NAMI to identify existing youth mental health training gaps and interest in Mental Health First Aid certification.
- Secure funding to sponsor Mental Health First Aid Instructor training for educators, coaches, youth ministers, and student club leaders.
- Host a kickoff event in early 2026 to build community awareness and recruit participants; include youth testimonials or speakers with lived experience.
- Offer quarterly follow-up workshops and support resources for participants.
- Evaluate impact through participant surveys and school reports on early interventions.
These initiatives directly address high-priority community issues, will be highly visible, and offer collaborative and sustained engagement for Rotary members and partners in Lake County.
1. Winter Clothing Drive for Seniors (Community Health & Supporting Vulnerable Populations)
Context:
Waukegan Township Supervisor Marc Jones recently highlighted local programs delivering winter clothes to seniors, meeting essential needs for warmth and showing care for an often-overlooked demographic. As cold weather persists, many seniors continue to struggle with heating costs and mobility challenges, making them vulnerable to the health effects of cold.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Township Senior Services (Supervisor Marc Jones)
- Senior citizen centers in Gurnee and surrounding towns
- Faith-based groups and youth organizations (e.g., local church youth ministries, Scouts)
- Local retailers (Walmart, Target, Goodwill) for collection bins and donation matches
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Waukegan Township and key partners to coordinate drive timing and logistics
- Publicize the initiative through Rotary social media, partner newsletters, and local media
- Organize volunteers for sorting and packing
- Arrange distribution events at senior centers and facilitate deliveries for homebound seniors
- Explore expanding the effort to include hats, gloves, and blankets, potentially for veterans or the homeless as well
2. Pet Food and Supply Drive (Environment & Community Support)
Context:
The Waukegan Park District and police have an annual tradition of collecting pet food and supplies, recognizing the needs of families and seniors with pets who may face financial stress, especially over winter. Supporting pets helps families remain whole, reduces animal abandonment, and assists local shelters—aligning with Rotary’s focus on community welfare and environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Waukegan Police Department
- Animal shelters (e.g., Orphans of the Storm, Save-A-Pet)
- Local pet stores (Pet Supplies Plus, PetSmart)
- School groups (for engagement and awareness-raising)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Park District and animal shelters to identify most-needed items and logistics
- Organize drop-off sites at Rotary meetings, partner facilities, and local businesses
- Consider a one-day “Fill the Van” event for public visibility
- Recruit volunteers to collect, sort, and deliver supplies
- Highlight responsible pet care and environmental impact through Rotary-sponsored educational materials distributed at events
Based on recent news from Lake County, specifically regarding the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and its impact on youth academic engagement, as well as the prominence of educational competitiveness and community pride, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Rotary Academic Enrichment Fund & Mentorship Program
Context:
With students like Visharad Sathish excelling and competing at the national level in the Scripps Spelling Bee, it’s clear that Lake County youth value academic achievement. However, broad enrichment opportunities—such as spelling, math, and science competitions—can have significant costs for families (travel, materials, preparatory courses), and not all students have equal mentorship or resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent; Courtney Curry, Assistant Superintendent)
- Local schools and PTAs, including Lake Forest Country Day School and Matthews Middle School
- Local libraries and literacy organizations
- Local businesses interested in youth education
Next Steps:
- Engage: Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education to assess current gaps in funding for local and national competitions, enrichment activities, and mentoring.
- Fundraise: Plan a signature Rotary fundraiser (e.g., Spelling Bee Night, Literacy Gala, or Corporate Spelling Challenge) to raise scholarship money for students representing Lake County at competitions or for under-resourced schools to start their own clubs.
- Mentor: Recruit educated community members and past spelling bee participants as volunteer mentors or coaches for local students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Amplify: Work with local media to highlight student successes and Rotary’s involvement, attracting additional partners and donors.
2. Youth Literacy & Language Development Initiative
Context:
The Lake County Regional Spelling Bee highlights both achievement and the power of vocabulary in student success. Many Lake County communities, including in Waukegan and Gurnee, have significant populations of multilingual learners and students from households where English is not the first language—potentially creating hurdles for literacy and academic confidence.
Potential Partners:
- John Lewis Middle School (Ashley Whitaker, Dual Language Instructional Specialist)
- Waukegan and Gurnee School Districts
- Local libraries and the Waukegan Public Library’s literacy program
- Local multicultural organizations
Next Steps:
- Assess: Partner with school instructional specialists to identify specific needs for after-school or weekend literacy workshops, particularly serving ESL/ELL learners.
- Volunteer: Organize Rotary club members to volunteer as reading buddies, spelling coaches, or conversation partners in afterschool or summer programs.
- Resource: Provide new books (especially bilingual or multicultural), dictionaries, and learning games to local classrooms and libraries via a Rotary book drive.
- Measure: Track participation and academic impact (with schools’ consent) as part of Rotary’s impact reporting, and expand successful elements to more schools in the area.
These opportunities not only directly serve the community in the immediate context of current educational achievement, but also support Rotary’s commitment to education, youth development, and community partnership.
Project Idea 1: Winter Warmth Campaign and Coat Drive Collaboration
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health & Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Context:
Recent news highlights a coat donation drive at the Grayslake Community Park District and mentions a notable spike in local food pantry visits. With Lake County food pantries seeing more demand and growing housing insecurity, seasonal needs for warmth and basic winter essentials are acute, especially for low-income families and individuals.
Potential Partners: - Grayslake Community Park District (current coat drive organizer) - Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago (active in supporting housing and critical needs) - Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partners in Waukegan/Gurnee) - BHHS Chicago’s Libertyville Office (recently donated Thanksgiving meals) - Local schools and faith organizations
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to Grayslake Community Park District and St. Vincent de Paul Chicago to propose a joint, expanded Winter Warmth Campaign—encompassing both coat and blanket donations, as well as hygiene kits. 2. Coordinate Rotary club volunteers to staff drop-off events at community centers, schools, and local markets. 3. Launch a social media and community outreach campaign (leverage Patch, school newsletters, and municipal partners). 4. Arrange collaboration with food pantries to distribute items directly to those accessing their services this winter. 5. Evaluate opportunities for a Rotary-led fundraising event (e.g., a “Soup & Socks” winter gathering) to purchase new coats and supplies for any gaps in donations.
Project Idea 2: Kim Muno Youth Scholarship Fundraiser & Mentorship Program
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Youth Empowerment
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship has received highlighted coverage as a current community initiative. With many local families experiencing economic strain as evidenced by higher food pantry use, youth access to enrichment and educational support is at risk. Rotary can amplify the reach and sustainably support this growing need.
Potential Partners: - Kim Muno Scholarship organizers and local educators - Grayslake Community High Schools District 127 and feeder elementary schools - Local businesses (such as The Vine or Tighthead’s Brewery, both active in community events) - Parent-teacher organizations, youth centers, and libraries
Next Steps: 1. Connect with the Kim Muno Scholarship committee to discuss a potential Rotary-sponsored matching campaign or annual fundraising gala tied to Giving Tuesday or the winter holiday season. 2. Organize a scholarship awareness event—possibilities include a charity trivia night, a local business-hosted benefit, or a virtual auction. 3. Supplement fundraising with a Rotary Youth Mentorship Program, pairing club members with high school students for career guidance, college application support, and leadership development. 4. Use the event to encourage recurring donations to build a sustainable scholarship fund for future years. 5. Publicize the campaign and mentorship outcomes through local media (Patch, school communications) to further engage community support and attract additional partners.
Both opportunities address immediate and ongoing needs in Lake County and can be sustained or scaled with strong Rotary and community partnerships.
1. Expand the Kim Muno Scholarship Goal: Rotary Scholarship Fundraiser & Mentorship
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship, awarded by Kim’s parents, is highlighted as reaching an "important crossroads" in Libertyville. This suggests either a need for continued funding to sustain or expand the scholarship, or potential changes in its focus. Scholarships align strongly with Rotary’s focus on education and youth support.
Potential Partners:
- Kim Muno Scholarship Committee/organizers (family and supporting organizations)
- Libertyville High School administration and counselors
- Local businesses (e.g., those sponsoring the Holiday Bazaar or participating in the Makers Market)
- Civic organizations—other service clubs, PTAs, and educational nonprofits
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Kim Muno Scholarship organizers and Libertyville HS staff to understand current challenges (e.g., funding gaps, applicant pool, mentorship needs).
- Propose that the Rotary Club co-host a fundraising event in conjunction with community events such as the Holiday Makers Market or Tighthead's Holiday Bazaar to maximize promotion and attendance.
- Offer to not only help in sustaining/expanding the financial award, but also to establish a mentoring program (pairing Rotary volunteers with award applicants or recipients for career/college coaching).
- Seek matching grant opportunities through Rotary International if local fundraising can be turbocharged.
- Promote the fundraiser and scholarship opportunity at Rotary meetings, through Club social media, and by leveraging existing community media partners like Patch.
2. Community Health & Social Connection: Rotary-Hosted "Hot Cocoa Stroll" for Senior Wellness
Context:
The upcoming "Hot Cocoa Stroll" at Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills speaks to opportunities for safe, seasonal, intergenerational social gatherings. With a Mobile DMV planned at the Libertyville Senior Center, and ongoing concerns about senior isolation—especially during winter—a Rotary service event can reinforce community health and connection for local seniors, which aligns with Rotary’s health and community development areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville Senior Center and area senior services organizations
- Hawthorn Center event organizers
- Local healthcare providers (hospitals, clinics, fitness/wellness groups)
- Area youth groups (schools or Scouts for intergenerational connection)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to organizer(s) of the Hot Cocoa Stroll as well as leadership at the Libertyville Senior Center to explore ideas for a Rotary-enhanced event—such as recruiting Rotarians and youth volunteers to help host a "Senior Hot Cocoa Stroll/Wellness Walk."
- Add health promotion features, such as free wellness checks, fall prevention information, safe winter walking tips, or COVID/flu vaccination info provided by local providers.
- Coordinate with local youth groups to encourage connections that can ease senior isolation (e.g., card-making, small performances, or caroling teams).
- Design a publicity plan utilizing Patch, social media, and flyers at senior homes and local clinics.
- Establish evaluation and feedback mechanisms to sustain the partnership as an annual or semi-annual Rotary tradition supporting older adults’ health and socialization.
1. Community Mental Health Education & Support Program
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is currently accepting grant applications to support nonprofit partners that deliver essential mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. This highlights an ongoing and growing community need for mental health resources and awareness in the Lake County area, especially after the pandemic’s lasting impacts on stress, anxiety, and access to care.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local mental health providers (e.g., Lake County Behavioral Health Services, NAMI Lake County)
- Area Rotary Clubs (Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff)
- School districts and libraries (for program venues and outreach)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to discuss collaborative opportunities, including possible funding support for Rotary-led initiatives.
- Organize a public health forum or series of workshops focused on mental health literacy, resilience-building for youth and families, and reducing stigma.
- Partner with local schools and community centers for outreach and to host events.
- Recruit mental health professionals and advocates to speak at sessions.
- Integrate a fundraising component, such as a charity walk/run or community dinner, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits providing mental health services.
2. Rotary Youth Scholarships & Academic Support Expansion
Context:
North Shore Catholic schools (including Woodlands Academy, Regina Dominican, and Loyola Academy) are adjusting their high school admissions and testing policies to offer more flexibility for 8th grade girls. Additionally, the recurring “Kim Muno Scholarship Goal” event indicates ongoing scholarship needs in Lake County for supporting area youth’s access to quality education.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy, Regina Dominican, Loyola Academy (school administrators and guidance offices)
- Kim Muno Scholarship organizers
- Local businesses interested in supporting education (e.g., Waukegan Tire, Episcopal Preschool)
- Local PTA/PTO organizations
Next Steps:
- Reach out to North Shore Catholic schools to assess current scholarship program gaps or unmet needs, especially for low-income or first-generation students.
- Collaborate with the Kim Muno Scholarship’s organizing team to develop a joint Rotary scholarship or tutoring program.
- Plan a fundraising campaign—such as an annual benefit event, online crowdfunding, or matching-donation drive—tied in with Giving Tuesday or other timely opportunities.
- Recruit Rotary members and local volunteers to serve as mentors and provide application/interview workshops, academic tutoring, or career exploration events for local students.
- Publicize scholarship opportunities widely in underserved communities with Rotary brand visibility.
These initiatives address Rotary’s areas of focus of supporting education, promoting youth development, and improving community health.
1. Project: Community Support for Military Families at Great Lakes Naval Base
Relevant Rotary Area: Community health, supporting families, disease prevention and treatment
Context:
Recent news has highlighted a concerning spike in deaths associated with the housing at Great Lakes Naval Base, as reported by the Lake County Coroner's Office. While the details are under investigation, the anomaly signals a need for enhanced support for military service members and their families, particularly in health, wellness, mental health, and housing safety.
Potential Partners:
- Great Lakes Naval Base Family Services
- Lake County Health Department
- Local veteran organizations (e.g., Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation)
- Mental Health America of Lake County
- Local hospitals and wellness centers
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Great Lakes Naval Base Family Support Services to identify immediate needs among base residents (e.g., mental health, household safety, health screenings).
- Organize a health and wellness fair or a series of informational workshops, providing screenings, mental health resources, and family support, ideally in partnership with base authorities and health organizations.
- Develop a volunteer team of Rotarians and local health professionals to offer ongoing monthly support sessions for families, including counseling, child wellness activities, and assistance navigating social services.
- Coordinate a fundraising event (virtual or in-person), such as a "Support Our Heroes" walk or dinner, to help fund mental health services and family assistance efforts specifically for the affected base community.
2. Project: Youth Safety, Mental Health, and Family Support Campaign
Relevant Rotary Area: Supporting education, youth at risk, peace and conflict prevention
Context:
Recent incidents noted in local news include the disappearance of a Libertyville teenager (Andrew Cvetanovski, now safely returned) and an ongoing missing persons case (Ruslan Furman). These events, along with heightened community concern, highlight the need for preventive education, mental health support, and resources for families and youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Libertyville High School)
- ZCenter (recently received grant support for community education and prevention)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments
- Community youth centers and family counseling providers (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling, Nicasa Behavioral Health)
Next Steps:
- Convene a task force with local school administrators, law enforcement, and youth-serving organizations to assess needs and resource gaps around youth safety, mental health, and runaway prevention.
- Collaborate with ZCenter (noted for its prevention and education efforts) to host assemblies, workshops, and parent forums on mental health awareness, digital safety, and conflict resolution for students and parents.
- Launch a Rotary-led mentorship and safe spaces program, recruiting volunteers to mentor at-risk youth and offering after-school “homework help and hangout” sessions.
- Organize a fundraising campaign (e.g., benefit concert, youth talent show, or GoFundMe initiative) to support ongoing education, crisis intervention programs, and family counseling services for Libertyville, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.