Based on recent stories and community updates from December 20, 2025, for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, taking into account the needs reflected in local news and community announcements:
1. Youth Career Exploration & Apprenticeship Awareness Initiative
Context:
With the IBEW Local 117 JATC announcing new application periods for electrician and telecommunications apprenticeships, and technology and engineering companies like Vuegen Technologies and Siemens actively recruiting skilled workers in Lake County, there is a clear demand for workforce development, especially among youth and young adults. Many students and recent graduates may not be aware of these career pathways or may lack resources to pursue them.
Potential Partners:
- IBEW Local 117 JATC
- Local high schools in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County (e.g. Warren Township High School, Waukegan High School)
- Lake County Tech Campus
- Local employers: Siemens Industry Inc., Vuegen Technologies, Bectran Inc.
- Lake County Workforce Development Board
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Careers in the Trades & Tech” expo with hands-on workshops, employer panels, and real-time application assistance.
- Develop a mentorship program pairing Rotarians and industry professionals with students interested in apprenticeships or STEM careers.
- Facilitate resume workshops and application support, especially targeting underrepresented groups.
- Jointly fundraise to provide scholarships for apprenticeship entry fees, required tools, and travel costs for interviews or training.
- Market the event broadly, leveraging school counselors and social media.
2. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure & Community Safety Cleanup
Context:
While no crime stories are highlighted, environmental and community safety are ongoing concerns in Lake County. With rapid development and continuing needs for safe, healthy public spaces, Rotarians can address cleanliness, environmental health, and resident empowerment, especially in higher-density urban areas like Waukegan.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves and Parks Departments
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- Local neighborhood associations
- Environmental groups such as Lake County Audubon Society or Go Green Lake County
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local student groups)
Next Steps:
- Organize a large-scale “Winter Community Cleanup & Green Infrastructure” day focusing on parks, school grounds, trails, and waterways, with both trash collection and tree/shrub planting.
- Provide education stations on recycling, stormwater management, and energy conservation.
- Fundraise or source donations for cleanup supplies, eco-friendly landscaping materials, and winter gear (for participants and community members in need).
- Recognize volunteer contributions with certificates and social media spotlights to encourage ongoing stewardship.
- Coordinate with local municipalities for disposal of collected waste and for potential matching funds or grants for green projects.
Both initiatives directly address current needs in workforce development and community/environmental health, leveraging active local organizations and aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus on education, youth, and environment.
1. Food Security Fundraiser and Volunteer Drive: Support for Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent news highlights that Chicago-area food pantries, including those servicing Grayslake, Gurnee, Waukegan, and the larger Lake County area, have seen a notable spike in visits over the past year. This increase is likely driven by inflation and financial stress in the community, underscoring a growing need for food security assistance during winter, when energy bills and household costs rise.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake
- Community faith organizations (e.g., St. Paul the Apostle Church in Gurnee, Holy Family Church in Waukegan)
- Area schools (for student involvement)
- Local grocery stores and businesses (for food drives and sponsorships)
Next Steps:
- Contact Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Avon Township Food Pantry) to assess their most urgent needs.
- Organize a dual campaign: (1) a monetary fundraising drive (virtual and in-person events) and (2) a winter-specific food and hygiene supply drive.
- Mobilize Rotary members and local youth volunteers (such as from Key Clubs or Interact) for collection, sorting, and direct distribution.
- Coordinate with local media to raise awareness and invite donations from the broader public.
- Evaluate impact and create a plan for ongoing support, including possible Rotary grants.
2. Youth Safety & Wellness Initiative: Teen CPR & First Aid Training Expansion
Context:
Recent listings note a Teen Safe Sitter CPR & First Aid Course in Grayslake, reflecting both local demand and a broader commitment to youth safety, health, and emergency readiness. Given reports of firearm-related incidents and ongoing community safety concerns, expanding access to this type of training for youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County is highly relevant.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56, Grayslake Community High School District 127)
- Lake County Health Department
- Area hospitals (Advocate Condell Medical Center, Vista Medical Center East)
- American Red Cross, local EMS/fire departments
Next Steps:
- Reach out to existing course organizers (like those hosting the event in Grayslake) for a program template and resources.
- Engage school administrators and youth groups to gauge interest and identify target age groups.
- Partner with medical centers and the American Red Cross to supply trained instructors and course materials.
- Plan a rotating schedule of free or low-cost CPR and First Aid certification courses at schools, libraries, and community centers, targeting both students and parents.
- Seek grant funding or sponsorships to cover course costs; promote scholarship opportunities for under-resourced families.
- Publicize courses widely, especially in areas with recent safety incidents, using school communications and local news outlets.
These project ideas align with Rotary’s emphasis on community health, disease prevention, and supporting youth, while directly responding to current news and needs in Lake County.
Certainly! Based on current news and recent activities in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, IL area, and aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus, here are two recommended project ideas with relevant context, partners, and next steps:
1. Project: Youth Arts Accessibility—Nutcracker Ticket Fund & Workshop
Context:
The Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker” performance at the College of Lake County (December 20–22, 2025) is a high-profile cultural event. Many local families, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, face financial barriers and may not be able to afford tickets to professional performances. Attending such events can enrich youth education, inspire creativity, and broaden horizons, particularly beneficial for underserved children and teens.
Potential Partners:
- Ruth Page Center for the Arts
- College of Lake County (student volunteers/interns)
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan District 60)
- Local youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, YMCA)
Next Steps:
1. Contact the Ruth Page Center and College of Lake County to discuss the creation of a donor-supported ticket fund, aimed at providing free or discounted tickets to local underprivileged youth and their families.
2. Partner with school social workers and community youth organizations to identify candidate families/students.
3. Organize a pre-show event or workshop introducing youth to dance and performing arts, potentially with cast members.
4. Plan a fundraising drive specifically for this initiative (e.g., “Sponsor a Seat for a Student” campaign), promoted at Rotary meetings and via local media.
5. Secure transportation or travel stipends for identified youth to ensure access to the event.
6. Evaluate the program’s impact and consider making it an annual Rotary-supported holiday tradition.
2. Project: Community Health & Winter Wellness Kits Drive
Context:
Lake County faces significant health equity challenges, especially during winter months when cold weather exacerbates chronic health problems among low-income and homeless populations. Recent headlines document locally rising need for seasonal support due to housing costs and utility bills.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- PADS Lake County (homeless services)
- Local pharmacies and retailers (Walgreens, Meijer)
- Faith-based organizations (Holy Family Soup Kitchen, Waukegan area churches)
Next Steps:
1. Meet with Lake County Health Department and PADS to identify the greatest needs for winter wellness (e.g., warm socks, gloves, hats, hand sanitizers, cold/flu supplies, masks, and health pamphlets).
2. Launch a “Winter Wellness Kits” community collection drive. Set up donation bins at schools, libraries, and local businesses in Gurnee and Waukegan.
3. Pursue small grants or in-kind donations from retailers and health care providers for kit supplies.
4. Coordinate Rotary club volunteers to assemble and distribute the kits—include information on local services for further health or housing support.
5. Consider a public health awareness day (possibly at the College of Lake County or a local school) to distribute kits, offer basic screenings, and share county resources.
6. Assess outcomes and needs in January to plan a follow-up drive or expand into an ongoing Rotary project for vulnerable families through the winter.
Both opportunities align with Rotary’s areas of focus on education, youth, and community health, and are timely for Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County community.
Context:
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, a recipient of Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board grants, is actively empowering individuals in Lake County (including Waukegan and Gurnee) with support for substance use and recovery. Substance abuse continues to pose serious challenges in the area, impacting families, youth, and community well-being, especially as mental health needs rise post-pandemic.
Potential Partners:
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services: Program expertise and outreach
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board: Funding and network
- Lake County Health Department: Health and data resources
- Local schools and youth centers: To reach at-risk youth
- Other local Rotary Clubs
Recommended Rotary Service Project:
Organize a fundraiser (e.g., a community dinner, golf outing, or silent auction) to support direct services for individuals and families in recovery. Expand the impact by developing a Rotary-led awareness campaign—by hosting workshops and distributing resources on substance abuse, prevention, destigmatization, and access to support services throughout Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake County.
Next Steps:
- Contact Nicasa to identify funding gaps, volunteer opportunities, and project needs.
- Form a Rotary committee and schedule an initial planning meeting with Nicasa staff.
- Develop a project plan: set fundraising goals, select an event date and venue, and promote via local media.
- Coordinate with local schools, health providers, and law enforcement to distribute information and host workshops.
- Use Rotary’s global network to secure speaker(s) and wellness resources.
Context:
The North Suburban YMCA is hosting its 2nd Annual KidPalooza—a family-oriented day of activities, games, and community engagement. There is a notable opportunity for Rotary to expand offerings for local youth, particularly with educational enrichment and literacy activities, since the event draws families from across Lake County, including underserved neighborhoods in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- North Suburban YMCA: Event host, established audience
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee): Educational resources and staff
- Woodlands Academy & local honor societies (Tri-M® Music, debate teams): Student volunteers, programming
- Book publishers or local businesses: Book donations, sponsorships
Recommended Rotary Service Project:
Co-host a major “Literacy & Learning Zone” at KidPalooza, providing free children’s books, creative STEM/STEAM activities, arts/music workshops, and school/supplies drives. Include interactive “read-alouds,” homework-help sessions, and booths offering information on local educational programs and clubs for youth and teens. Consider a fundraising component (book fair, raffle) to support ongoing literacy and youth programs.
Next Steps:
- Meet with North Suburban YMCA event coordinators to secure space and discuss partnership.
- Recruit local educators and student groups for on-site programming and mentoring.
- Launch a book and school supply drive through Rotary Club networks and community partners.
- Organize promotional materials and volunteers for day-of activities.
- Share outcomes and photos to raise awareness of Rotary’s commitment to youth and education—and invite future collaboration.
Both projects align with Rotary’s areas of focus in community health and supporting education/youth. Both offer strong partnership potential, community visibility, and worthwhile, sustainable service in Lake County, IL.
1. Mental Health & Crisis Support Initiative in Partnership with Gurnee Police Department’s CARE Team
Context: The Gurnee Police Department has recently established the CARE Team (Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement) to better respond to community mental health needs. This initiative signals an important recognition of mental health challenges in Gurnee and Lake County, and an opportunity for Rotary to amplify impact in this crucial area, which aligns with Rotary’s focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department CARE Team
- Local mental health organizations such as Lake County Behavioral Health Services
- Advocate Aurora Health (regional provider)
- Lake County schools (for youth outreach component)
Next Steps:
- Outreach: Connect with the CARE Team leadership (contact via Gurnee PD) to discuss ways Rotary can support their efforts—consider supporting public mental health education, awareness campaigns, or suicide prevention training sessions.
- Fundraising: Organize a community fundraising event (e.g., charity walk or wellness fair) to generate funds for mental health resources and crisis intervention materials, particularly for youth and at-risk groups.
- Volunteer Support: Recruit Rotary volunteers for logistics support, promotion, and possibly peer support training in partnership with the CARE Team or local providers.
- Sustainability: Develop an annual event or ongoing campaign to keep mental health resources and awareness at the forefront in Lake County.
2. Food Security & Inflation Relief Drive in Response to Rising Grocery Prices
Context: Recent reports highlight that although inflation is slowing, grocery prices in Lake County (as elsewhere) remain significantly higher year-over-year, impacting families already facing economic hardship. This situation directly affects local children, low-income families, and seniors, tying into Rotary’s focus areas of Community Economic Development and Maternal & Child Health.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County)
- Local faith organizations/churches (many run food pantries or meal programs)
- Lake County Social Services
- Schools and PTA groups (to identify families in need and distribute information/resources)
Next Steps:
- Assessment: Coordinate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local partners to identify gaps in current food pantry supplies and high-need populations.
- Action: Launch a Rotary-sponsored food drive (with an emphasis on nutritious staples, fresh produce, baby formula, and culturally relevant foods) at community events, schools, and local businesses.
- Fundraising: Pair physical food drives with a monetary campaign to help food pantries bulk-purchase at reduced cost through the Food Bank.
- Education: Include workshops or info sessions on budgeting, nutrition, and resource assistance during food distribution events.
- Long-term Impact: Explore establishing or supporting a pop-up food pantry during holiday periods or school breaks, targeting when need spikes among youth and families.
Both service projects leverage real, timely community needs and can deepen Rotary’s impact while working collaboratively with established local partners.