Based on the content provided, there are a few timely, relevant cues related to community needs, activities, and interests in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area. Here are two Rotary service or fundraising project opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, including context, possible partners, and next steps:
The December 11, 2025, Home & Garden calendar features a variety of garden club meetings in the Chicago suburbs, with particular attention given to topics such as native plants, prairies, and creating sustainable spaces. There is growing community interest in ecology and the use of native plants for environmental benefits and beautification.
An article recognizes Oak Trace senior living community for its employment and support of Carly Kauz, a graduate of a transition program for individuals with disabilities. This highlights a strong regional interest in increasing employment and inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.
Both projects directly address current community interests and needs, are scalable, and align with Rotary priorities including environment, education, youth support, and economic inclusion.
Context:
A recent story highlighted that a Lake Forest Academy student won the “I Voted” sticker contest, organized by the Lake County Clerk’s office (Anthony Vega). The contest aimed to get young people interested in the electoral process, and the Clerk stated plans to continue this type of engagement. This aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on youth development and education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Clerk’s Office (Anthony Vega)
- Lake Forest Academy and other area high schools
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts
- Local youth clubs and organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Clerk’s Office to express interest in supporting or co-sponsoring future sticker contests or youth-led civic engagement programming.
- Develop workshops or speaker series on civic responsibility and voter education targeted at teens, possibly culminating in a service project, essay contest, or student-run voter registration drive.
- Seek grants or Rotary district funding to provide scholarships or awards for contest winners, and organize a celebratory event at a Rotary meeting.
- Leverage Rotary members’ networks to recruit judges, mentors, or guest speakers for these initiatives.
Context:
Recent local news warned of a wintry mix and falling temperatures in Lake County, with Waukegan and Gurnee both facing cold snaps and many residents affected by harsh winter conditions. This creates challenges especially for low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused—directly relating to Rotary’s areas of focus on community health and supporting vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District (organizers of local holiday and community events)
- Local food pantries and shelters (e.g., PADS Lake County, COOL Ministries)
- Gurnee and Waukegan township offices
- Area faith communities and social service providers
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-led drive to collect and distribute winter coats, hats, gloves, and blankets, working in cooperation with local shelters and food pantries.
- Set up collection bins at community centers, schools, and partner business locations during holiday events promoted by the Waukegan Park District.
- Arrange for health care professionals (potentially Rotary members) to offer free flu shots or screenings at distribution events.
- Publicize these efforts via local media and Rotary channels to maximize donations and volunteer participation, aiming to complete distribution before or during peak winter months.
Based on recent news and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Literacy & Academic Excellence Sponsorship: Supporting Youth Achievements
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon regional spelling bee and will represent the area in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. This achievement highlights both the academic potential within Lake County youth and the importance of literacy and educational support. With 73 schools and hundreds of students participating in this rigorous competition, there is a clear community interest in academic excellence and educational enrichment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School Districts 56 & 121)
- Public libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Local businesses for sponsorships and prizes
Recommended Rotary Project:
Launch an annual "Rotary Academic Excellence Grant" or "Youth Literacy Champion Fund" to support Lake County students who excel in academic competitions (spelling bees, math bowls, science fairs, etc.) but may face financial barriers to participation in national or state-level events. Funds could help with travel expenses, learning resources, and celebration/recognition ceremonies.
Next Steps:
- Form a committee with representatives from local schools and libraries to outline grant criteria and selection process.
- Announce the fund and invite applications or nominations.
- Partner with area media to highlight recipients and inspire other students.
- Organize a community event to honor participants and build a sustainable donor base for future years.
2. Community Health & Wellness: Youth Mental Health Support Initiative
Context:
While the news specifically highlights academic achievement, studies show the pressure of competitive environments can cause anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns among youth. The transition to more high-profile competitions, like the National Spelling Bee, can amplify these pressures—particularly for high-achieving students, their peers, and their families. Mental health is a growing priority for Rotary and aligns closely with the needs of young people navigating these high-stress experiences.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Services)
- Youth mental health nonprofits (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
- School counselors and psychologists in Gurnee, Waukegan, and throughout the county
- Local hospitals or health systems (e.g., Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital)
Recommended Rotary Project:
Sponsor free, periodic “Mental Wellness for Youth Achievers” workshops or webinars focused on addressing academic stress, resilience, and healthy coping mechanisms for students preparing for major competitions and academic milestones. Include resources and breakout sessions for parents on supporting their children’s mental health.
Next Steps:
- Reach out to potential partner organizations to develop a curriculum and identify speakers/experts.
- Schedule an inaugural event at a community center, library, or school auditorium; offer both in-person and virtual participation options.
- Publicize the event via schools, local media, and social media; ensure access for students, parents, and educators.
- Survey attendees afterward to assess impact and plan for ongoing workshops or support groups.
By implementing these initiatives, Rotary can directly address literacy and educational enrichment (Rotary focus: Education & Literacy) and promote youth mental health (Rotary focus: Disease Prevention & Treatment), while engaging key community partners and supporting the evolving needs of Lake County’s youth.
1. Food Pantry Support and Hunger Relief Initiative
Context:
Recent reports highlight that Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County communities such as Grayslake, Gurnee, and Waukegan, are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year. Rising food insecurity is a clear community need, aligning with Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting basic needs.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Libertyville Township Food Pantry
- Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Faith-based organizations (local churches, synagogues, mosques)
- Local media outlets for awareness (e.g., Patch.com, Daily Herald)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with food pantry leaders and Northern Illinois Food Bank representatives to identify urgent resource gaps.
- Organize a multi-community food and fund drive, leveraging local schools, businesses, and the Patch.com event calendar.
- Seek sponsorships and matching grants from local businesses.
- Mobilize Rotary members for volunteer shifts at pantries and organize deliveries for homebound or vulnerable residents.
- Use Rotary’s social media and local news partnerships to promote ongoing advocacy for hunger relief and recruit volunteers/donors.
2. Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention Program
Context:
With the tragic news of recent violence, including the discovery of a crime victim’s body in Lake County and increases in disorderly conduct incidents near Grayslake, there is a clear need for trauma-informed support and violence prevention, particularly for youth. Many communities are seeing heightened anxiety and stress among young residents, making mental health initiatives critically important.
Potential Partners:
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (Gurnee)
- Lake County Health Department, Child & Adolescent Behavioral Services
- Local high schools (Grayslake Central, Waukegan High) and after-school programs
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
- Local law enforcement for community education (e.g., Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments)
- Non-profits focused on youth development (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local mental health organizations to assess current youth services and identify support gaps related to trauma and violence prevention.
- Host a fundraising event such as a benefit concert (potential partnership with Jim Stephenson and local musicians, as mentioned in Patch events) to support youth counseling services and educational workshops.
- Partner with schools to implement peer support programs, mental health first aid training, and safe spaces for students.
- Develop community forums or informational campaigns (potentially promoted via Patch.com and school networks) to de-stigmatize mental health conversations and raise awareness about available resources.
- Track impact via measurable outcomes (attendance, funds raised, participation in educational workshops).
These two projects directly address pressing needs in Lake County and offer Rotary a visible, high-impact opportunity to collaborate, fundraise, and foster sustainable community change in line with Rotary’s areas of focus.
1. Youth Arts Enrichment & Education Initiative
Context:
The Grayslake Arts Alliance Holiday Pop-Up (Dec. 12) and Sinéad Carus - GAA Featured Artist Meet & Greet at 3Legged Coffee Brewery (Dec. 13) highlight strong local interest in the arts and youth engagement in creative activities. Rotarians can amplify these efforts by providing accessible opportunities for area youth to grow through visual and performing arts, directly supporting the Rotary area of focus on Education and Youth Development.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
- Local schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the Round Lake Area
- 3Legged Coffee Brewery (event venue/partner)
- College of Lake County (site of other local arts events)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Grayslake Arts Alliance leadership and 3Legged Coffee Brewery to propose a youth arts mentorship program and/or annual youth art showcase.
- Explore joint grant applications or co-hosted fundraising events to supply scholarships, art supplies, or workshop fees for underprivileged youth.
- Organize a fundraising gala (perhaps tied to existing concerts at the College of Lake County or Holiday Pop-Ups), inviting notable local artists (like Sinéad Carus) for workshops, judging, or demonstrations, with proceeds directed to youth arts programming.
- Involve local schools to identify students with needs and encourage participation.
2. Community Health & Senior Services Access Day
Context:
The Mobile DMV event (Dec. 12 at Libertyville Senior Center) and growing local emphasis on accessible community resources (as signaled by regular senior-focused events) underline a need for streamlined health, wellness, and essential service access for seniors and vulnerable adults in the region, aligning with Rotary’s focus on Community Health.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville Senior Center
- Township senior services
- Local health clinics or Lake County Health Department
- Rotary District medical and legal professionals
- Waukegan and Gurnee public libraries (possible additional host sites)
Next Steps:
- Initiate conversation with the Libertyville Senior Center about expanding the model into a recurring “Community Services Day” rotating among Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake, targeting seniors and low-income families.
- Partner with local health providers to offer free flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and legal aid (e.g., Power of Attorney setup), alongside DMV and other municipal mobile services.
- Organize Rotarian volunteers for event logistics, translation, and transportation assistance.
- Plan a small fundraising campaign—potentially in partnership with existing holiday concert events—to raise funds for shuttle transport, medical supplies, and outreach materials.
- Start marketing outreach through Patch events listings, senior centers, and congregations to maximize attendance.
1. Launch a “Warming Hearts” Winter Clothing & Supply Drive (Community Health & Supporting Vulnerable Populations)
Context:
Recent news highlighted that Arctic cold is set to freeze Lake Forest and surrounding areas, and there are already established warming centers to help residents escape dangerously low temperatures. However, extremely cold weather puts unhoused and low-income families at risk, particularly in communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, which have pockets of need. Providing winter clothing, blankets, and care kits for those at risk aligns strongly with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Local warming centers (as identified in city or county resources)
- Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center
- PADS Lake County (provides shelter and services for the unhoused)
- Local faith communities (e.g., Congregation Sukkat Shalom, area churches and mosques)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts (potential distribution sites)
- Area schools for connecting with low-income families
Next Steps:
- Contact PADS Lake County and area warming centers to assess most urgent needs (e.g., coats, mittens, hand warmers, hygiene kits).
- Organize a two-week donation drive at community hubs (churches, schools, businesses).
- Engage Scouts or youth groups to help assemble and distribute kits for service hours.
- Arrange a volunteer day for sorting and delivering supplies to warming centers and shelters, especially during severe cold snaps.
2. Youth Leadership, Literacy, and Mentoring Initiative (Supporting Education & Youth Development)
Context:
Recent events recognized student and teacher leadership—Woodlands Academy just honored both groups for “helpful influence and leadership.” Additionally, a local author’s coming-of-age memoir set in Lake County spotlights youth facing obstacles. The community’s interest in education and positive youth development, combined with ongoing needs in Waukegan (a district with significant achievement gaps), highlights an opportunity to foster mentorship, literacy, and leadership among students.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy (existing student leadership programs)
- Waukegan Public Library and Gurnee Public Library (literacy outreach)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
- Local authors and educators (host readings, workshops)
- Youth Service America (for youth-led project support)
- Local businesses willing to sponsor book donations or literacy kits
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local schools and libraries to identify literacy or leadership gaps and set program goals.
- Recruit Rotarians, high school, and college student volunteers as mentors for weekly reading sessions or leadership activities.
- Arrange for local authors (such as the memoirist featured in the news) to give talks or lead writing workshops with youth.
- Launch a book drive focusing on culturally relevant and engaging material for at-risk youth.
- Measure impact by tracking student participation and progress, and celebrate achievements with an annual recognition event.
1. Mental Health and Family Support Workshops in Response to Family Violence
Context:
A recent incident in Beach Park involved a man setting his house on fire following a family argument, highlighting ongoing concerns around mental health, domestic conflict, and crisis support in Lake County. Incidents like this underline the need for accessible mental health and domestic support resources nationwide, and locally in communities like Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- A Safe Place Lake County (domestic violence prevention/service nonprofit)
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Services
- Local police departments/community services units
Next Steps:
- Reach out to NAMI and A Safe Place to co-host a series of free, practical workshops for residents on conflict resolution, mental health resources, and how to support families in crisis.
- Launch a fundraising drive to support emergency services, crisis hotlines, and to subsidize therapy or counseling access for those in need.
- Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department for on-site informational sessions and resource booths at community events.
- Publicize the initiative via social media and local news outlets, leveraging Rotary branding and visibility.
2. Winter Warmth and Road Safety Initiative
Context:
Recent snowstorms and a serious car crash at Highway 45 and Winchester Road in Libertyville reflect ongoing seasonal challenges – from families needing winter clothing and heating support to the importance of safe driving in winter weather. Supporting those affected by winter conditions directly improves community health and safety, and helps vulnerable populations stay warm and secure.
Potential Partners:
- PADS Lake County (homeless shelter and service provider)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (community outreach, road safety education)
- Local schools and PTAs
- Faith-based organizations and Scout troops (for volunteer drives)
Next Steps:
- Organize a "Winter Warmth Drive" to collect new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and blankets, with Rotary as the lead convener and sponsor.
- Run a public awareness/fundraiser in conjunction with local law enforcement emphasizing winter driving safety; distribute safety kits (emergency blankets, flashlights, etc.) to families in need and low-income drivers.
- Partner with PADS to identify clients most in need and coordinate direct deliveries during January and February.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses for matching funds or donations of high-demand winter essentials.
- Request Rotary volunteers for drive-through collection/drop-off events and for distributing materials.
Both initiatives clearly align with Rotary’s areas of focus, particularly community health, economic and community development, and support for the vulnerable.