Certainly! Based on your request and the available news snapshot, recent events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, as of December 13, 2025, give limited direct headlines, but there’s an opportunity to connect Rotary service to ongoing, consistent community needs in alignment with Rotary areas of focus. Here are two actionable, relevant Rotary project ideas with context, partners, and next steps:
1. Youth Mental Health Support & Awareness Initiative
Context:
While the current stories don’t cite a specific incident, Lake County (including Waukegan and Gurnee) continues to face rising youth mental health needs post-pandemic. Mental health support aligns with Rotary’s focus on “Community Health” and “Youth.” National and local surveys consistently show that teens in Lake County—reflecting statewide and national trends—report anxiety, depression, and stress at concerning rates. Many local school districts and organizations lack resources for mental health awareness, early intervention, and destigmatization.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Warren Township High School (Gurnee), Waukegan High School
- Lake County Health Department
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Youth Services of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local schools’ wellness coordinators and the Lake County Health Department to identify specific gaps (e.g., materials, programs, funding for in-school counselors).
- Convene a roundtable (virtual or in-person) with school leadership and NAMI Lake County to explore possible initiatives: mental health first-aid workshops, speaker series, and funding scholarships for school counselors.
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a “Walk for Wellness” or community luncheon) with corporate sponsors and local mental health advocates. Proceeds will expand capacity for youth counseling hours or peer-led awareness campaigns.
- Develop a volunteer speaker program, using Rotarians and trained NAMI speakers, to present in health classes or parent nights about recognizing signs and supporting youth mental wellness.
2. Environmental Stewardship: Community Tree Planting & Clean Water Education
Context:
Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee, is increasingly experiencing the impact of extreme weather, urbanization, and threats to local water quality. Lake Michigan’s health (which Waukegan borders) and regional stormwater management are ongoing concerns. Tree planting addresses both Rotary’s “Environment” and “Community Health” areas, as trees reduce runoff, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and buffer against urban heat. Additionally, education about clean water is vital for community sustainability, given ongoing water conservation concerns in the region.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- North Shore Water Reclamation District
- Gurnee Environment Commission
- Local Scout troops and school ecology clubs
- Clean Water Advocacy Groups (e.g., Friends of Lake Michigan)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with Lake County Forest Preserves and area park districts to identify sites for spring tree planting, prioritizing school playgrounds, public parks, and flood-prone neighborhoods.
- Organize Rotary club volunteers, recruit students (service learning credit), and promote via local media outlets and social channels.
- Seek donations from area nurseries, Home Depot, or Lowe’s for trees, tools, and refreshments, as well as grant funding through The Rotary Foundation environmental grants.
- Plan an educational workshop (potentially at the local library or virtually) on water stewardship: “Save Our Lake—How You Can Help,” led by North Shore Water Reclamation District experts, with resources for families and kids.
- Document and share outcomes with regional Rotary clubs to scale up efforts and foster friendly competition for most improved neighborhood canopy.
These two projects—youth mental health programming and environmental stewardship through tree-planting and water education—not only address timely needs but are scalable, fundable, and natural fits for Rotary’s mission and local resources.
Certainly! Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus and tailored to current community context:
1. Warming Hearts: Winter Clothing and Shelter Drive in Response to Subzero Temperatures
Context:
Recent headlines from Lake County News-Sun highlight a winter with “subzero wind chills,” exposing the increased vulnerability of unhoused individuals and low-income families in the Gurnee/Waukegan area. With bitter cold forecasted and ongoing economic hardship, there is an urgent community need for warmth and shelter intervention.
Potential Partners:
- PADS Lake County (local homeless services agency)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Salvation Army Waukegan Corps
- Local schools, faith groups, and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Next Steps:
- Organize a community-wide drive to collect winter coats, hats, gloves, socks, and blankets for rapid distribution.
- Work with PADS and local shelters to identify specific needs and coordinate delivery.
- Recruit Rotary members and local youth (schools, Scouts) for packing and distribution events.
- Fundraise via local businesses and an online crowd-funding campaign, with a visible event kickoff (inviting local media for coverage).
- Explore ongoing winter shelter partnerships, such as supplying warm meals or overnight kits for area shelters.
2. Safe Streets: Roadway Safety Awareness and Support for Injured Workers
Context:
News reports mention a serious injury for a roadway worker in Long Grove. This brings attention to the frequent risks faced by street and construction workers in Lake County, as well as pedestrian safety issues more broadly. Enhancing road safety aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and safety.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) - District 1
- Lake County Division of Transportation
- Local unions representing road workers
- Gurnee and Waukegan Police Departments
- Lake County Health Department (for mental health and support services for injured workers and families)
Next Steps:
- Host a Roadway Safety Education Day, featuring safety gear giveaways (reflective vests/lights) for workers and information for schools/families about safe street-crossing and winter driving.
- Arrange support for injured workers (meals for recovery, direct financial aid) in collaboration with local unions and social services.
- Launch a “Drive Like You Work Here” campaign with student and business involvement, using banners, yard signs, and local media outreach.
- Explore Rotary grant or fundraising options to provide advanced safety equipment or scholarships for children of injured workers.
Both projects directly address pressing local needs, are feasible for Rotary club involvement, and align well with Rotary’s pillars of community health, education, and support for vulnerable communities.
Based on recent news and current community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus (education/youth, and community health):
1. Lake County Youth Literacy and Education Support Initiative
Context:
Lake County’s own Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old, recently won the regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. With participation from 73 schools and hundreds of students, there’s clear enthusiasm for literacy, spelling, and academic enrichment among Lake County’s youth.
Rotary Focus Area:
Education and supporting children and youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts and the Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local libraries such as Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee) and Waukegan Public Library
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- After-school programs and nonprofits supporting literacy (e.g., United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success program)
- Businesses interested in sponsoring youth achievement
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to discuss needs and opportunities for literacy programming.
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored “Words Matter” program, pairing Rotarians and community volunteers with students for reading support, mentorship, and spelling bee coaching.
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., Community Spelling Bee Night, “Sponsor a Scholar” dinner) to raise funds for program materials, books, and to cover travel or competition costs for youth like Visharad traveling to regional/national competitions.
- Feature local champions (such as Visharad Sathish) at Rotary events to inspire younger students and engage the community.
2. Community Mental Health Awareness and Support Campaign
Context:
While the specific article provided focuses on youth achievement, ongoing regional updates point to a need in Lake County (including urban areas like Waukegan and suburban Gurnee) for improved mental health resources for youth—particularly those facing academic stress, pressure, and post-pandemic adjustment.
Rotary Focus Area:
Disease prevention and treatment; community health; supporting children and youth.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department—Behavioral Health Services
- Local school social work departments
- Youth-serving nonprofits, such as Youth & Family Counseling, Roberti Community House (Waukegan), and Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
- Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Medical Center East)
- Counseling centers or private practitioners willing to participate in youth wellness fairs
Next Steps:
- Host a Mental Health Awareness Day at a local school or community center, with workshops on stress management, academic resilience, and available support resources.
- Develop a Rotary-funded grant program for schools or nonprofits piloting youth mental health projects (e.g., peer mentorships, resilience-building workshops).
- Organize a fundraising walk or “Color Run for Calm Minds,” with proceeds supporting school-based mental health programs or subsidized counseling for families in need.
- Coordinate with youth spelling bee participants and academic clubs to include mental wellness check-ins and “buddy” systems, integrating academics and mental health supports.
Both opportunities leverage current events and visible community priorities, align with Rotary’s areas of focus, and offer tangible ways for local Rotary clubs to partner and make a substantial, sustained impact in Lake County.
1. Community Health: Support for Local Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand
Context:
Recent news highlights a spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County. Rising food insecurity is impacting local families, and food pantries are under strain to meet the increased need, particularly during winter.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Walmart)
- Area schools and faith communities
Next Steps:
- Connect with leaders at COOL Food Pantry and Warren Township Food Pantry to identify urgent needs (food, funds, volunteer help).
- Organize a community-wide food and toiletry drive, leveraging Rotary networks and partnering with local schools and faith groups.
- Plan a fundraising event (e.g., winter benefit, online auction) to support pantry operations and buy in-demand items.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for a “Day of Service” to help restock shelves, sort donations, and distribute food.
- Publicize the campaign via local media and social platforms, emphasizing Rotary’s commitment to “Fighting Disease” and “Supporting Community Health.”
2. Youth Protection and Education: Support for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Programs
Context:
Recent news from the region reports a teen in the area experiencing kidnapping and sexual assault, highlighting urgent concerns around youth safety, mental health, and support networks.
Potential Partners:
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter, Gurnee/Waukegan)
- YWCA Lake County
- Local school districts and parent organizations
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (Victim Advocacy Team)
Next Steps:
- Meet with ZCenter and YWCA program leaders to assess gaps in prevention, crisis response, and education needs.
- Fundraise for crisis counseling services, survivor kits, and educational workshops in local schools (aligned with Rotary’s “Saving Mothers and Children” and “Supporting Education” focus).
- Sponsor a community forum or safety seminar led by youth safety experts, law enforcement, and local survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
- Develop a volunteer program for Rotarians to support hotlines, after-school programs, or awareness campaigns.
- Coordinate with schools to implement age-appropriate, evidence-based prevention programs; provide support materials and communication to parents.
Both initiatives address urgent, locally-identified needs and align with Rotary’s core values. They provide visible, hands-on opportunities for Rotarians to make a difference in Lake County.
1. Community Youth Instrument Access & Education Initiative
Context:
Multiple local holiday concerts and musical events are highlighting the active arts scene in Grayslake, Lake Forest, and the broader Lake County area. Regular events such as the "Holiday Brass Concert" with the Lake County Symphony Orchestra, and student concerts at venues like College of Lake County, draw attention to the value of music education for youth. However, many families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities often face financial barriers limiting access to instruments and structured music programs—contributing to educational inequities.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Symphony Orchestra - College of Lake County (Music Department) - Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Warren Township High School) - Nonprofit organizations like Bravo Waukegan, which supports music education - Local music shops (for instrument donations/discounts) - After-school programs and community centers
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with music educators and organizations to assess local needs for instrument access and scholarships. - Organize an "Instrument Drive" during upcoming community music events; solicit donations of new/gently used instruments. - Apply for Rotary District grants to fund lesson scholarships or instrument repairs. - Coordinate volunteer opportunities for Rotarians to assist with distribution, mentor youth musicians, and promote music education. - Plan an annual benefit concert or community showcase (possibly in partnership with the College of Lake County or Lake County Symphony) with proceeds supporting ongoing access to arts education.
2. Lake County Holiday Food & Warmth Drive
Context:
Seasonal events such as the "Hot Cocoa Stroll" and "Holiday in the Hart" bring families together, but the winter months are also a time of increased need for food, coats, and winter supplies among vulnerable populations in northern Lake County. Waukegan and Gurnee both have residents experiencing food insecurity and lack of winter clothing, highlighted by ongoing demand at local food pantries and shelters. The season’s festive gatherings offer a timely platform for organizing community-wide service.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County Branch) - PADS Lake County (homeless services) - Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan (event hosts/promoters) - Local faith communities and schools - Businesses participating in the "Hot Cocoa Stroll" or "Holiday in the Hart" - Youth volunteers and local scouts groups
Next Steps: - Coordinate with ongoing December events and set up collection stations for non-perishable food, coats, gloves, and warm blankets. - Partner with event organizers to promote the drive and increase community awareness. - Engage local schools and youth groups in sorting and packaging collected items, offering Rotarian leadership and supervision. - Schedule delivery days with food pantries and shelters, involving Rotary volunteers in hand-off events. - Publicize outcomes in local press and at follow-up Rotary meetings; recognize community partners to encourage future collaborations.
These projects align with Rotary's focus areas of education & literacy, community health, and supporting vulnerable populations, while leveraging the season's spirit of giving and collaboration across Lake County.
Project 1: Rotary Warming Center Support and Winter Drive
Context:
Recent news highlights dangerously cold weather affecting Lake County, including Lake Forest, Gurnee, and Waukegan. The announcement of warming centers, especially in Lake Forest, points to an immediate need for resources for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and unhoused. As deep winter sets in, demand for these centers and basic supplies grows.
Potential Partners: - Local municipalities (e.g., Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan city offices) - Local warming shelters and community centers - Lake County Housing Authority - Congregation Sukkat Shalom Touchpoint Program, which already serves seniors
Next Steps: 1. Contact local governments and existing warming centers to assess greatest needs (blankets, warm clothing, hygiene kits, volunteers, food). 2. Organize a donation and volunteer drive targeting club members, local schools, and businesses. 3. Schedule Rotary workdays at warming centers to assist with hospitality and distribute needed items. 4. Publicize through Patch, Rotary networks, and partner organizations to increase awareness and attract support. 5. Evaluate impact and adjust efforts in response to ongoing weather conditions and community feedback.
This project directly aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and support for vulnerable populations.
Project 2: Youth Debate & Leadership Mentorship Program
Context:
Woodlands Academy and Stevenson High School students recently excelled at a high-level Congressional Debate competition, gaining recognition for leadership and public speaking. Additionally, the school’s Sacred Heart Awards spotlight youth who demonstrate good conduct, helpful influence, and leadership. Building on this momentum, Rotary can foster youth leadership and support education—two key Rotary areas.
Potential Partners: - Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart - Stevenson High School - Local libraries or community centers as event venues - Rotaract or Interact clubs (Rotary’s youth divisions)
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to debate team advisors at Woodlands and Stevenson to propose partnership for a community youth debate/leadership workshop. 2. Recruit Rotarians and local leaders as mentors, judges, or workshop presenters to offer guidance in public speaking, leadership, and service. 3. Organize an annual debate or leadership event, open to Lake County high schoolers, possibly with scholarships or community service incentives. 4. Leverage media (such as Patch) and social media to attract participants, volunteers, and sponsorships. 5. Track participation and feedback to evolve the program and create ongoing youth engagement opportunities.
This initiative nurtures skilled, service-minded youth, directly supporting Rotary’s commitment to education and future leadership.
1. Lake County Winter Warmth Drive (Community Health & Supporting Vulnerable Families)
Context:
With recent snowstorms blanketing Gurnee, Waukegan, and the rest of Lake County, many families—especially those facing financial challenges—are struggling to stay warm. There have been reports and photos shared of heavy snow, with a focus on the impact winter has on daily life. Service agencies like PADS Lake County and COOL Ministries have indicated increased demand for winter gear among homeless and low-income families.
Potential Partners:
- PADS Lake County
- COOL Ministries
- Local schools in Gurnee and Waukegan (for outreach and distribution)
- Faith communities (such as United Way of Lake County and local churches)
- Local outdoor outfitters and businesses willing to serve as drop-off points
Next Steps:
- Rotary should contact PADS and COOL Ministries to assess current needs for coats, blankets, hats, and gloves.
- Secure drop-off locations in partnership with schools, libraries, and businesses.
- Launch a marketing campaign using social media, local press (including Patch.com and school newsletters), and community bulletin boards.
- Organize Rotarian and volunteer teams for gear collection, sorting, and coordinated distribution at community centers and shelters.
2. "Lights, Camera, Future!" Youth Film & Media Workshop (Youth Development & Education)
Context:
Lake County has recently become a filming site for movies such as "The Exes of Christmas Past," drawing attention to the growing presence of the film industry in the region. This offers an exciting educational opportunity for local teens, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee where youth benefit from enrichment programs linked to new career pathways.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District/Libraries
- Waukegan High School and Gurnee District 56 (for after-school program locations)
- The production teams or contacts from recent/ongoing Lake County film projects
- College of Lake County (media studies department or CLC Film Society)
- Local filmmakers, videographers, and media professionals
Next Steps:
- Reach out to film crews, College of Lake County, and local arts councils to identify professionals willing to offer workshops or Q&A sessions.
- Structure a series of hands-on workshops (script writing, filming, editing, acting) hosted over several weeks at local schools or libraries.
- Explore grant funding or Rotary fundraising to provide equipment and scholarships for underserved youth.
- Conclude with a “Youth Film Fest” screening in Gurnee or Waukegan, inviting the community to celebrate participants and raise funds for ongoing youth arts programs.