Certainly! Drawing from the context of recent local news in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, and understanding Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two well-aligned and timely Rotary service or fundraising project ideas:
1. Garden-to-Table Initiative for Food Security and Environmental Education
Context:
The recent Home & Garden Calendar for Dec. 7-13 highlights growing community involvement in gardening, with events at the Chicago Botanic Garden and local clubs. Food scarcity remains a concern in Waukegan and Lake County, and interest in sustainable, educational gardening is high.
Potential Partners:
- Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum (for expertise and volunteer support)
- Local food pantries (like COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan or Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Local schools (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Scout troops or youth organizations
- Municipal parks departments
Next Steps:
1. Convene an exploratory meeting with local gardening clubs and Botanic Garden educators to shape hands-on programming.
2. Identify a pilot location (school grounds, park, or church) to establish a teaching garden managed by Rotary volunteers, focused on nutrition education and sustainable practices.
3. Partner with local food pantries to build a “produce pipeline” from gardens directly to families in need.
4. Seek grants (from Rotary, local businesses, or the county) for raised beds, seeds, tools, and youth education materials.
5. Launch a seasonal series: spring planting, summer tending, and fall harvest festival/fundraiser.
2. Historic Holiday Experience Fundraiser for Youth Literacy
Context:
A current feature spotlights 19th-century Christmas programs at historic Fox Valley sites, demonstrating community enthusiasm for heritage events. At the same time, local schools are looking for creative ways to fund literacy and educational outreach, especially for underserved youth in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Local historic societies or museums (Waukegan Historical Society, Lake County Discovery Museum)
- Area schools and PTA groups
- Public libraries (Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Local performing arts troupes and choirs
Next Steps:
1. Collaborate with historic site staff to co-host a 19th-century holiday fair in Lake County, integrating music, crafts, and interactive storytelling focused on local history.
2. Designate all proceeds or donations (from ticket sales, craft booths, or silent auction) for local school literacy programs: providing new books, tutoring, or after-school reading clubs.
3. Organize a volunteer team to plan logistics, promote the event, and staff activity stations.
4. Leverage Rotary’s network to secure sponsors and in-kind donations (printing, refreshments, costumes).
5. Publicize in schools and community centers—offering free admission for low-income families to ensure broad access.
Both initiatives tie directly to Rotary’s areas of community health, environment, education, and youth, while creating visible local impact and partnership opportunities.
1. Community Health: Winter Warmth Drive for Vulnerable Residents
Context:
The Lake County area, including Gurnee and Waukegan, is currently experiencing "bone-chilling temperatures," as highlighted by the National Weather Service and reported by the Lake County News-Sun (December 3, 2025). Many local families—especially those with limited resources—are at risk from extreme cold. In past years, similar weather has resulted in increased local ER visits, especially among the unhoused and low-income seniors.
Potential Partners:
- PADS Lake County (homeless services)
- A Safe Place (domestic violence shelter)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Waukegan Township
- Local churches and faith organizations
Next Steps:
a) Convene a planning group with interested Rotarians and reach out to PADS and A Safe Place to identify immediate clothing and supply needs.
b) Launch a "Winter Warmth" drive, collecting new/gently used coats, hats, gloves, socks, and blankets at Rotary meetings, local businesses, and schools.
c) Promote the drive through local media and social channels, partnering with youth groups for volunteer support.
d) Schedule distribution events at shelters, township centers, and via school social workers.
e) Follow up and evaluate potential expansion: consider adding a fundraising component (e.g., ‘Sponsor a Family’ for utility bill assistance).
2. Environment & Education: No Mow May—Pollinator and Sustainability Awareness Campaign
Context:
Waukegan officials are considering joining the "No Mow May" movement, according to a Lake County News-Sun article. This initiative encourages residents to refrain from mowing their lawns in May to support pollinating insect populations (vital for both local ecology and food production). There is opportunity to educate the public and schools about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Waukegan Public Schools (environmental clubs)
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local garden clubs (e.g., Waukegan Garden Club)
- Municipal leaders and Public Works departments
Next Steps:
a) Reach out to Waukegan city officials, park districts, and school leaders to offer Rotary’s support as public education partners.
b) Help create and disseminate informational materials and signage explaining the benefits of “No Mow May.”
c) Organize a launch event and/or pollinator-friendly gardening workshops at schools and community centers in partnership with local experts.
d) Integrate a youth essay/art contest themed “Protecting Our Pollinators” to engage schools and families.
e) Consider seeking a matching Rotary grant to fund educational supplies, seed packets, or demonstration pollinator gardens in public spaces.
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and is headed to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights the strong interest in academic excellence among youth in Lake County and the value of literacy initiatives. Many students across 73 schools participated, demonstrating a broad potential impact for programs that promote spelling, literacy, and academic confidence.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (coordinators of the spelling bee) - Local school districts - Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library) - Parent-teacher organizations - Possible sponsorship/partnership with Scripps Spelling Bee Foundation
Next Steps: - Connect with the Lake County Regional Office of Education and local libraries to discuss needs assessments for literacy programming. - Organize and fund after-school reading and spelling clubs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities, especially for students needing additional support. - Host an annual “Rotary Reading Challenge” or “Spelling Bee Booster” event, possibly including workshops led by previous participants like Visharad Sathish as student mentors. - Fundraise for and award scholarships, books, or travel stipends for local students representing Lake County in national competitions. - Promote volunteer opportunities for Rotarians as spelling bee judges, mentors, and literacy tutors.
Context:
According to recent news, Waukegan is considering joining the “No Mow May” movement to support pollinators by encouraging residents to refrain from mowing their lawns during May. This initiative addresses Rotary’s focus on the environment and community education about local ecology and sustainability.
Potential Partners: - City of Waukegan—Sustainability and Planning Departments - Local environmental groups (e.g., Liberty Prairie Foundation, Conserve Lake County) - University of Illinois Extension—Lake County Master Gardeners - Local businesses and homeowner associations - Park districts and schools
Next Steps: - Reach out to the City of Waukegan to support and help promote the “No Mow May” campaign, including assisting with community outreach materials and signage. - Host educational workshops for residents and students about the importance of pollinators, native plants, and biodiversity. - Organize volunteer “pollinator garden” planting days at schools, parks, and community centers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. - Create a fundraising campaign to provide free or low-cost native pollinator-friendly plants or seeds to residents. - Collaborate with schools for a youth-led citizen science project to monitor pollinator activity during May, tying back to Rotary’s youth and education areas of focus.
1. Community Health & Food Insecurity: Local Food Pantry Partnerships
Context:
Recent news highlights that "Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year," signaling increased food insecurity in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. This challenge is ongoing and places additional strain on organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan), and other local faith-based or community food distribution partners.
Potential Rotary Project:
A Rotary-sponsored food drive and fundraiser – “Rotary Harvest for Hope” – can be organized to collect and distribute non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and winter essentials for area pantries. Leveraging Rotary's network could also provide logistical and volunteer support where needed.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry – Waukegan
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Meijer) for collection boxes
- Grayslake Central and North High Schools’ Interact Clubs
Next Steps:
a) Outreach: Contact food pantry coordinators to identify current needs and best collection/distribution times.
b) Planning: Set target dates that align with identified spikes in need (e.g., winter months when food insecurity is typically highest).
c) Volunteer Mobilization: Recruit Rotary members, Interact students, and local business volunteers.
d) Promotion: Create flyers, social media campaigns, and coordinate with local news (Patch.com) for event visibility.
e) Fundraising: Organize a parallel online giving campaign to purchase supplemental fresh food or hygiene items not typically donated.
f) Execution: Collect, sort, and deliver goods; report outcomes and recognize participating partners.
2. Youth Safety & Education: "Safe Tracks" Rail Safety Awareness Campaign
Context:
Recent tragic incidents in Lake County (“Coroner IDs Man, 22, Fatally Hit By Metra Train”; “Man Hit, Killed By Metra Train In Lake County Saturday”) underscore an urgent need for pedestrian and rail safety education, especially where Metra lines traverse Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. Many young people and community members may not be fully aware of safe practices near train tracks.
Potential Rotary Project:
Develop and launch a “Safe Tracks” public safety campaign—combining in-person assemblies at schools, community centers, and digital outreach. Presentations could include guest speakers from Metra Police, interactive materials for youth, and distribution of safety literature/posters in English and Spanish.
Potential Partners:
- Metra Safety & Outreach Team
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- School Districts (Waukegan, Grayslake, Gurnee) and PTAs
- Local youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts)
- Village governments for co-promotion (Village of Grayslake, City of Waukegan, Village of Gurnee)
Next Steps:
a) Coordinate: Reach out to Metra’s Community Outreach/Safety department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office to co-develop presentation material and identify available speakers.
b) Engage Schools: Work with school administrators to schedule assemblies or classroom sessions, prioritizing schools near rail lines.
c) Create Materials: Develop bilingual posters, handouts, and online content targeting students and families.
d) Secure Support: Apply for a Rotary District Grant to cover printing costs, incentives, and any speaker fees.
e) Launch Campaign: Host assemblies, set up informational booths at local events (e.g., school fairs, farmer’s markets), and share safety messages through social media, local news, and village websites.
f) Follow-up: Evaluate campaign reach and impact, and explore opportunities for annual repetition or expansion.
1. Rotary Youth Holiday Wellness and Activity Drive
Context:
Events like the Santa in the Park & Puppy Grinchmas (Round Lake Area Park District, Dec. 6), Swimming with the Elves (Lindenhurst, Dec. 6), and Holiday Band Concert (Round Lake Beach, Dec. 17) highlight the importance of family and youth engagement during the holiday season in Lake County communities. However, the winter months can be especially hard for underserved families, with gaps in access to healthy food, warm clothes, and enrichment activities for children.
Potential Rotary Project:
Organize a Holiday Wellness and Activity Drive targeting local children and families, especially those who may not have access to holiday events, healthy snacks, or winter gear. The drive could provide winter clothing packages (coats, hats, gloves), healthy holiday snacks, and activity kits (games, books, art supplies). Rotary youth volunteers could help assemble and distribute the kits at partner events.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (Santa in the Park & Puppy Grinchmas event)
- Local schools and community centers (Round Lake, Grayslake, Waukegan)
- Food pantries (Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries)
- Youth service organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Round Lake Area Park District to coordinate Rotary presence and distribution at Santa in the Park or Holiday in the Hart.
- Connect with local schools and food pantries to identify families and youth in need.
- Launch a community donation drive for new winter clothing, healthy snacks, and activity materials.
- Organize a Rotary volunteer day to assemble and distribute baskets at key community events in December.
2. Rotary Green Holidays: Community Environmental Awareness & Cleanup
Context:
Large gatherings for events such as the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market (Dec. 6), Hot Cocoa Stroll (Vernon Hills, Dec. 13), and Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker” at College of Lake County lead to increased foot traffic and potential waste, especially with single-use plastics, cups, and snack packaging. This aligns with growing local concerns about sustainability and environmental stewardship during peak community events.
Potential Rotary Project:
Launch a “Green Holidays” campaign including educational booths about recycling and waste reduction at high-traffic December events, and coordinate post-event cleanup teams to collect recyclables and trash. Rotary could also provide green alternatives (reusable mugs at Hot Cocoa Stroll, for example) or promote reusable shopping bags at the Farmers Market.
Potential Partners:
- Event organizers (Grayslake Farmers Market, Vernon Hills Park District, College of Lake County)
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Local green businesses (farmers, sustainable goods vendors)
- Environmental clubs at area high schools and College of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Contact event coordinators to arrange Rotary participation with education stations and cleanup volunteers.
- Work with SWALCO to obtain recycling resources, signage, and informational material.
- Recruit volunteers from local schools and Rotary youth programs for event-day outreach and cleanups.
- Evaluate waste collected and share results with the community to encourage ongoing environmental initiatives.
1. Community Warming Center Support & Outreach in Response to Arctic Cold
Context:
A significant freeze is set to impact Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee, and the greater Lake County area, making warming centers vital for vulnerable populations (elderly, homeless, families without reliable heat). Recent news highlights community concern and the need for resource awareness and support, especially during severe cold snaps.
Potential Partners:
- Local government agencies (Lake County Health Department, city of Lake Forest and Waukegan warming centers)
- Area churches and community centers (e.g., St. Vincent de Paul Society)
- Local businesses (for supply drives), e.g., Waukegan Tire
- Food banks and shelters
Next Steps:
a. Coordinate with city officials or Lake County Health Department to identify locations, peak needs, and volunteer opportunities.
b. Organize a “Warmth Drive” collecting new/gently used coats, hats, gloves, blankets, and socks; set up collection bins with business partners like Waukegan Tire and churches.
c. Recruit and schedule Rotary volunteers to assist at warming centers, delivering supplies and providing meals/refreshments for visitors.
d. Partner with local food services or supermarkets to provide hot soup/refreshments at select centers during the coldest days.
e. Promote awareness in the community through social media, local news, and flyers to ensure those in need know where to find warmth and support.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community health and disease prevention, basic needs support for vulnerable populations.
2. Youth Mental Health and Wellness Grants & Awareness Campaign
Context:
Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is currently accepting grant applications to support nonprofits offering essential mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. Given ongoing youth mental health challenges post-pandemic and a shortage of resources—especially for underserved families in Waukegan and Gurnee—the need for expanded support services and awareness is high.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local schools and school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School Districts)
- Mental health providers and nonprofits (Lake County’s Youth & Family Counseling, NAMI Lake County)
- Other local service clubs and youth organizations
Next Steps:
a. Form a Rotary committee to explore grant opportunities; schedule meetings with the Vernon Township Board and local school counselors to assess current gaps and needs.
b. Identify partner nonprofits providing youth counseling, substance use prevention, and wellness programs—collaborate on a grant proposal for program expansion, scholarship counseling sessions, or wellness events.
c. Develop and launch a Rotary-sponsored youth mental health awareness campaign (e.g., workshops, informational sessions, outreach materials for families, “Mental Health Matters” public events at schools/churches).
d. Leverage Rotary’s network to recruit local professionals for panel talks or mentorship programs.
e. Plan a fundraising event such as a Family Wellness Fair, 5K walk/run, or silent auction—proceeds directly fund expanded youth services or counseling scholarships.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease prevention and treatment, supporting education, and child/youth welfare.
Based on the recent news and community updates from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that directly align with Rotary International’s areas of focus and community needs:
1. Domestic Violence Prevention & Community Education Collaboration with ZCenter
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Peace & Conflict Resolution, Education
Context:
The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter), with a presence in Gurnee and Lake County, recently received generous grants to support their community education and prevention work. The prevalence of domestic violence, armed violence incidents, and mental health challenges in Lake County is underscored by recent local crimes and social services news. There is clear community need for expanded outreach, education, and support services.
Potential Partners:
- ZCenter (Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, Gurnee & Lake County)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (for prevention/intervention input)
- Local high schools (Libertyville, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Other local nonprofits focused on family stabilization (e.g., A Safe Place Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Contact ZCenter's community outreach team to explore co-hosting an educational forum or classroom-based prevention workshops in area schools or community centers.
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraising event (e.g., benefit dinner, silent auction, or awareness walk) with ZCenter as the beneficiary. Proceeds can fund educational materials or survivor support services.
- Partner with local law enforcement and schools to coordinate logistics and ensure broad community participation.
- Publicize the effort through local news sites (Patch, Daily Herald) and social media to maximize impact and visibility.
2. Winter Safety & Emergency Relief Kits for Vulnerable Families
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Supporting the Vulnerable, Disaster Response
Context:
Recent reporting on car crashes in Libertyville and the early onset of winter storms—along with periodic spikes in house fires and need for shelter (e.g., arson incident in Beach Park, St. Vincent de Paul's “Give Hope a Home” campaign)—highlight a pressing winter safety gap for at-risk families, those facing housing insecurity, and older adults in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (active locally on housing/shelter issues)
- Lake County government emergency response departments
- Local agencies serving the homeless (e.g., PADS Lake County)
- Area hospital social work depts.
- Local businesses (for kit donations and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary drive to assemble and distribute “Winter Safety & Emergency Relief Kits.” These can include blankets, warm clothing, hand warmers, basic first aid, flashlights, and local resource information cards.
- Coordinate kit distribution with local shelters, schools, and emergency service providers to reach the most vulnerable residents.
- Launch a winter fundraising campaign (online and/or in-person) to finance supplies, inviting community members and businesses to donate goods or funds.
- Offer a volunteer day for Rotarians and residents to assemble kits, building community unity and awareness.
Both efforts respond to currently reported needs while closely aligning with Rotary’s mission of serving vulnerable populations, fostering peace/education, and supporting community health in Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County.