1. Youth Civic Engagement and Election Education Initiative
Context:
Recent local concern over election integrity, voter rolls, and the mail-in ballot process was highlighted in a call for a public hearing by DuPage GOP leadership. While the discussion centers on transparency and adult concerns, this presents a learning opportunity for youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County to better understand the electoral process and civic engagement. Many high school students in these communities may not be well-versed in how elections work, how to register to vote, or why trust in election systems matters.
Potential Partners:
- Local High Schools (Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Waukegan High School, etc.)
- League of Women Voters of Lake County
- Lake County Clerk’s Office (for voter education materials and speakers)
- Youth civic organizations (such as student government groups)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to high school administrators to propose after-school workshops or special assemblies on election processes, voting rights, and civic responsibility.
- Collaborate with the League of Women Voters and the County Clerk to identify speakers, develop presentations, and provide relevant materials.
- Organize a “Mock Election” event to familiarize students with voting.
- Launch a Rotary-sponsored essay or art contest on the theme of “Why Voting Matters in My Community,” with scholarships or awards.
2. Community Greenhouse and Gardening Support Program
Context:
The upcoming home & garden calendar and list of plant sales, garden clubs, and workshops in Lake County indicate active community interest in environmental issues, home gardening, and sustainable practices. Food insecurity and access to fresh produce remain challenges in parts of Waukegan and surrounding areas. A Rotary-supported greenhouse or community gardening program would both address the environment area of focus and support community health through nutrition.
Potential Partners:
- Local garden clubs and Master Gardeners of Lake County
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (for connecting garden produce to those in need)
- Local schools (for developing student learning gardens)
Next Steps:
- Connect with local park districts and garden clubs to identify available plots or interest in partnering on a community greenhouse or rehabilitation of under-used garden spaces.
- Apply for Rotary community grants and identify fundraising opportunities (e.g., plant sales in conjunction with garden club events).
- Recruit volunteers for garden installation, maintenance, and educational workshops (including involving local youth as a learning opportunity).
- Coordinate with the food bank or local pantries to ensure any produce grown is distributed to families in need.
- Publicize the project through local media and Rotary channels, inviting broader community involvement and support.
1. Winter Clothes Drive for Seniors (Waukegan and Lake County)
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health; Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Context:
A recent article ("Waukegan-area programs provide winter clothes to seniors: ‘To warm their hands and ears, but also their hearts’," Nov. 26, 2025, Steve Sadin) highlights the ongoing need for winter gear among seniors in Waukegan and Lake County. For over a decade, Waukegan Township, led by Supervisor Marc Jones, has conducted annual drives to distribute warm clothing, but the need remains high, suggesting an opportunity for Rotary to amplify this effort.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Township (Supervisor Marc Jones)
- Local senior centers
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts
- Local churches and community groups
- Area high schools’ Interact Clubs
Next Steps:
- Meet with Marc Jones and Waukegan Township team to coordinate efforts and identify urgent needs (e.g., gloves, hats, coats, blankets).
- Launch a club-wide winter clothing and fundraising drive, engaging Rotary networks and local businesses as collection points.
- Collaborate with Interact Clubs for youth involvement—sorting and distributing items to isolated or transportation-challenged seniors.
- Seek donations or sponsorships from outdoor apparel retailers or local stores to maximize impact and community visibility.
- Organize an annual “Rotary Warmth Day” with direct delivery and wellness checks for seniors.
2. Pet Food and Supplies Collection for Community Animals (Waukegan)
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment; Community Health
Context:
As reported ("Park District, police collecting pet-related donations: ‘We have a lot of animal lovers in Waukegan’," Nov. 26, 2025, Steve Sadin), the Waukegan Park District and police department coordinate annual drives to collect pet food and supplies. Demand reportedly exceeds donations. Many residents rely on food pantries for pet needs, and animal welfare is closely linked to both public health and community stability.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Waukegan Police Department
- Lake County Animal Shelter
- Local veterinary clinics and pet stores
- Student groups and families
Next Steps:
- Connect with Waukegan Park District coordinators to align Rotary’s support with existing collection events.
- Organize a Rotary-led “Paws for the Community” supply drive, mobilizing members, local businesses, and youth clubs to collect food, litter, bedding, and pet toys.
- Incorporate public education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, possibly holding seminars or community fairs.
- Facilitate distribution at food pantries and through animal shelters, ensuring at-risk families can keep and care for their pets.
- Explore opportunities for grants or partnerships with pet supply retailers to sustain and expand the program.
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish (Lake Forest Country Day School) recently won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and will compete in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in D.C. This victory, following more than 45 competitive rounds, highlights strong local interest and talent in youth academics, as well as the crucial role extracurricular academic programs play in student development. Participation from 73 Lake County schools and the attention from educational leadership—such as regional superintendent Michael Karner and assistant superintendent Courtney Curry—underscore community commitment to education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (public and private, e.g., John Lewis Middle School, Lake Forest Country Day School, Matthews Middle School)
- Local libraries
- Bookstores (e.g., Lake Forest Book Store)
- Area literacy nonprofits
Next Steps:
- Connect with Michael Karner and Courtney Curry to express Rotary’s interest in supporting and expanding academic competitions and literacy programs.
- Establish a Rotary Academic Excellence Fund to support participation costs (travel, study materials, coaching) for high-achieving students in regional and national competitions—especially for those with financial need.
- Organize a community spelling bee or literary festival fundraiser, with proceeds supporting spelling bee participation, local school literacy programs, and library resources.
- Recruit Rotarians and community members as volunteers or mentors for ongoing academic enrichment after-school programs, focusing on under-resourced schools in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Context:
The regional spelling bee’s strong turnout and explicit mention of dual language programs (Ashley Whitaker at John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) demonstrate the importance of multilingual literacy and academic support in a diverse community. Many students, including recent immigrants, benefit from peer and adult mentorship to strengthen their English skills and overall academic confidence.
Potential Partners:
- John Lewis Middle School (Ashley Whitaker, Dual Language Instructional Specialist)
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools (ESL/ELL and dual language departments)
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Local immigrant and multicultural community organizations
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with dual language program leaders like Ashley Whitaker to identify students who could benefit from peer tutoring or mentorship, particularly in reading and spelling.
- Launch a multilingual book drive to supply area schools and libraries with high-interest books in English and other languages common in the community (e.g., Spanish, Polish).
- Train and match high school student volunteers and Rotarians with younger students as peer reading tutors. This can be coordinated as a Rotary Interact or EarlyAct youth project.
- Host monthly family literacy nights at local schools or libraries, offering read-alouds, spelling competitions, and parent resource sessions about supporting learning at home.
- Seek local business sponsorships for book and resource purchases, and promote the program through Rotary’s communication channels.
Context:
The Grayslake Community Park District is currently running a coat donation drive, reflecting a clear local need for warm clothing as winter sets in—a community health and basic needs issue. Additionally, a recent spike in food pantry use across Chicago-area suburbs signals heightened insecurity for essentials. Combining coat drives with ancillary items (hats, gloves, scarves, and possibly blankets) would expand the impact, helping families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County more broadly.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Community Park District (current organizer)
- Lake County Haven or PADS Lake County (homeless/at-risk services)
- Local schools (collection and youth participation)
- Businesses such as The Vine or Tighthead Brewing Company (as drop-off sites or sponsors)
Next Steps:
- Contact Grayslake Community Park District to coordinate and amplify their current efforts.
- Engage local schools to include students in a youth leadership/service component (tying into Rotary’s youth focus).
- Reach out to Lake County Haven/PADS for distribution support.
- Launch an awareness campaign using Patch, Rotary newsletters, and social media; consider hosting collection events at upcoming holiday markets (like Winterhaus: Holiday Makers Market).
- Organize a culminating distribution event, perhaps alongside hot meal or winter wellness workshops (flu shots or basic health screening in partnership with a local clinic/pharmacy).
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries are reporting a significant increase in demand, according to local news. Though Thanksgiving donations are common, need persists—and even spikes—through the winter holidays and into January. Coordinating a multi-community drive that leverages Rotary connections in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County will address food insecurity and create more sustainable aid for vulnerable families.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago (who just announced a matching Giving Tuesday campaign in Lake County)
- Libertyville’s BHHS Chicago (recent donors of Thanksgiving meals and possible ongoing partner)
- Local groceries and restaurants (incentivize donations, provide unused supplies)
- Scout troops or faith organizations (for packing/sorting help)
Next Steps:
- Contact St. Vincent de Paul and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess current needs and align logistics.
- Coordinate with recent meal donors (like BHHS Chicago) and invite them to serve as recurring sponsors or partners.
- Launch a public-facing campaign to encourage both donated goods and monetary support (maximize St. Vincent’s matching funds).
- Set up collection bins at partner businesses, schools, and at events such as the Winterhaus: Holiday Makers Market.
- Organize Rotary-led “packing parties” (with youth involvement from Interact Clubs or Scouts) to foster service learning and address Rotary’s focus on youth and education, as well as health and hunger.
- Publicize outcomes to encourage future drives and strengthen community relationships.
Both projects directly fulfill urgent and visible local needs, create strong public engagement opportunities, and fall squarely within Rotary’s areas of focus.
1. Project: "Drafts & Crafts: Holiday Cards for the Troops" Expansion - Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting Education and Growing Local Economies, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Community Health - Context: The Grayslake Arts Alliance is hosting a “Drafts & Crafts: Holiday Cards for the Troops” event (Dec. 6, 2025 at Beer Bazaar, Grayslake) where community members make cards for military personnel. Engagement with military service members, especially during the holidays, promotes community wellness and peacebuilding, and addresses mental health by combating isolation among servicemembers. - Potential Partners: Grayslake Arts Alliance, Beer Bazaar, local schools (for youth participation), Lake County veterans organizations (e.g., Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation), Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts. - Next Steps: - Reach out to the Grayslake Arts Alliance to offer Rotary volunteers and explore co-sponsorship, with the goal to expand the event regionally and increase the number of cards sent. - Connect with local schools and youth organizations to participate, turning it into an intergenerational project. - Include an educational component on veterans’ needs and the impact of service. - Explore fundraising at the event (e.g., sell crafts, snacks, or raffle items) to support veterans’ services and mental health programs in Lake County. - Work with veterans’ organizations to distribute cards to local and deployed troops. - Publicize results to increase community engagement and demonstrate Rotary’s commitment.
2. Project: "Open Doors to Education" Fundraiser for the Kim Muno Scholarship Fund - Rotary Area of Focus: Education and Literacy, Youth Services - Context: The Kim Muno Scholarship Goal event on November 30 highlights the ongoing need for student scholarships at Libertyville High School. This reflects a broader need for educational access and support for college-bound and vocational students, especially as costs rise and some families struggle to provide. - Potential Partners: Kim Muno Scholarship Fund organizers (Libertyville), Libertyville High School counseling/college office, local businesses (for sponsorships, e.g., Tighthead Brewing, Beer Bazaar, Phase Three Brewing), College of Lake County, parent-teacher organizations, area civic clubs. - Next Steps: - Contact the scholarship organizers and Libertyville High School to propose a collaborative fundraising event, such as a community trivia night, dinner, or 5K, with proceeds going to the scholarship fund. - Approach area businesses for sponsorship/prizes and to host joint outreach events. - Involve Interact/Rotaract youth clubs in event planning and awareness campaigns—possibly tying them to student service learning. - Create a social media campaign highlighting scholarship recipients and the impact of educational support. - Consider establishing a Rotary-sponsored scholarship in honor of Kim Muno as an annual commitment. - Measure and publicize the funds raised and students supported to build ongoing Rotary engagement and community support.
1. Food Insecurity Response: Lake County Holiday Food Drive & Outreach
Context:
Recent news highlights that BHHS Chicago’s Libertyville Office provided 130 Thanksgiving meals to Lake County residents in need. This underscores ongoing food insecurity issues within Lake County, particularly during the holiday season and colder months when families face higher utility costs and harder choices.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Local businesses (such as BHHS Chicago’s Libertyville Office)
- Faith-based organizations and school district social workers
- Youth groups like CROYA (Committee Representing Our Young Adults) promoting service learning
Next Steps:
1. Connect with local food pantries to identify specific needs and gaps for the December/January holiday and winter months.
2. Launch a Rotary-organized food drive at workplaces, schools, and community events, possibly collaborating with partners like BHHS and CROYA.
3. Recruit volunteers (including youth for service hours) to sort, package, and deliver food baskets.
4. Publicize the program through Patch, social media, and local newsletters to maximize reach and collections.
5. Measure impact and explore ongoing partnerships for periodic food support beyond holidays.
2. Youth Education & Scholarships: Kim Muno Scholarship Fundraising & Awareness Campaign
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship is featured as making significant progress but is at "an important crossroads," indicating a need for renewed fundraising or awareness to continue supporting local students. The focus on scholarships aligns with Rotary’s commitment to education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Kim Muno Scholarship Committee and Libertyville High School staff
- Local businesses (potential sponsors), such as those participating in community holiday bazaars
- Community organizations (e.g., youth groups, public libraries, and PTAs)
Next Steps:
1. Contact the Kim Muno Scholarship Committee to discuss current needs and set a fundraising goal.
2. Plan a Rotary-sponsored event (like a holiday fun run or benefit dinner) to support the scholarship, possibly in conjunction with existing community events such as the Tighthead’s Holiday Bazaar.
3. Engage local businesses as event sponsors and promote scholarship contributions at their retail locations.
4. Create a youth-led awareness campaign in schools (with presentations from Rotary/Scholarship recipients) to encourage applications and community buy-in.
5. Establish an annual partnership to provide ongoing support for the scholarship and expand opportunities for local students.
1. Community Mental Health & Wellness Fair in Response to Great Lakes Naval Base Deaths
Context:
The Lake County Coroner's Office recently cited an unusually high number of deaths (10) associated with the Great Lakes Naval Base and related housing. While details are limited, this suggests urgent concerns about community mental health, stress, or access to health resources among service members, veterans, and their families. The issue aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention, mental health, and supporting peace and conflict resolution.
Potential Partners:
- Lovell Federal Health Care Center (serves active duty and veterans in Lake County)
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Veteran support organizations (e.g., Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation)
- ZCenter (recently awarded TJX grants for education/prevention; could expand their mental health education programs)
- Local universities with psychology/counseling programs
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning group including representatives from the Great Lakes base, veterans, and local health organizations.
- Coordinate a Mental Health & Wellness Fair near the base: provide free screenings, mental health first aid training, QPR (suicide prevention) workshops, and information about available resources.
- Seek grant support and sponsorships from TJX Foundation and local businesses.
- Publicize the event through local news (e.g., Patch), veteran organizations, military family services, and social media.
- Collect feedback to consider ongoing programs or support groups post-event.
2. Lake County Youth Safety & Engagement Initiative After Recent Missing Persons Cases
Context:
A 14-year-old Libertyville boy was recently reported missing (but later found safe), and another adult remains missing with possible foul play suspected. These incidents spotlight community concerns about youth safety, engagement, and family support. Rotary’s focus on supporting education and youth development makes this a timely area for action.
Potential Partners:
- Local police departments (Libertyville, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- School districts and PTOs (Libertyville High School, others)
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago (recent local housing/aid initiatives)
- Youth-oriented nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, United Way of Lake County)
- ZCenter (for youth prevention education, already active in Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Organize youth safety forums at schools in Libertyville, Waukegan, and Gurnee, featuring local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and advocates.
- Develop a preventative education campaign: “Safe Routes & Safe Choices,” offering training in personal safety, digital safety, and crisis resources.
- Recruit and train Rotary and community volunteers as mentors for at-risk youth.
- Pair the initiative with a fundraising campaign to provide emergency kits (including technology, hotline info, etc.) for youth/families in need.
- Monitor outcomes and expand to include summer youth programming to keep teens engaged and safe.
Both opportunities leverage recent headlines and urgent community needs, and directly align with Rotary’s core areas of impact.