Certainly! Based on the limited news from January 2, 2026, for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, and by considering both current local and national issues, here are two timely Rotary service or fundraising possibilities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus and community needs:
1. Civic Education & Legislative Transparency Program (Rotary: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention; Education)
Context:
The editorial calling to end the legislative “shell bill” practice highlights concerns about government transparency and public trust. This reflects a need for civic education and community engagement to promote informed citizenship and ethical governance.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60)
- Lake County Bar Association
- League of Women Voters of Lake County
- Local media (Daily Herald)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning group including Rotary members, educators, and civic organizations.
b. Develop an annual “Civics in Action” forum for high school students and community adults, featuring workshops with local government officials, mock legislative sessions, and media on transparency.
c. Launch a student scholarship or essay contest on the importance of public transparency and ethical leadership.
d. Explore potential grant support from Rotary’s district or local foundations for educational materials and event costs.
2. Rotary Community Wellness Initiative (Rotary: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health)
Context:
The media highlights discussions about healthy living and wellness (via Susan Estrich's health-focused “New Year's resolutions” piece). The ongoing new year presents a strong opportunity to address persistent health concerns in Lake County—where obesity, diabetes, and disparities in health care access have been documented.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
- Local fitness and wellness businesses (e.g., Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District)
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville, nearby)
- Local YMCAs or health clubs
- School wellness committees
Next Steps:
a. Survey local residents about priority health/wellness topics (nutrition, exercise, chronic disease education).
b. Organize a “Rotary Wellness Fair” in Gurnee or Waukegan, offering free screenings, healthy cooking demos, youth fitness challenges, and seminars on setting/achieving health goals.
c. Leverage Rotary volunteers to help promote, staff, and fundraise for the event, potentially championing a new “Healthy New Year” mini-grant to support underserved families’ participation in local fitness or nutrition programs.
d. Collaborate on sustained wellness education or exercise clubs within schools and community centers.
These initiatives respond to community needs evident from current conversations and create direct opportunities for Rotary to make meaningful local impact.
Certainly! Here are two well-aligned Rotary project opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, based on recent events and community news:
1. Project: Digital Equity Resource Drive
Area of Rotary Focus: Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies
Context:
According to Lake County Digital Equity Coordinator Kim Lunt, there’s a continued push beyond 2026 to ensure residents have equitable digital access. The article emphasizes that “everything is online,” highlighting the challenge for families and individuals still lacking broadband and digital devices in Lake County. Bridging the digital divide is essential for education, job-seeking, healthcare, and community engagement, especially for low-income and senior residents.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Digital Equity Office (Kim Lunt, Coordinator)
- Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Nonprofits: PCs for People, Connect Lake County
- Local internet providers (Comcast, AT&T) for possible device or service discounts
Next Steps:
1. Meet with the Lake County Digital Equity Office to identify greatest needs: devices (laptops/tablets), hotspots, technical training.
2. Organize a device donation drive (new/refurbished laptops, tablets) with collection sites at partner libraries and community centers.
3. Apply for Rotary grants to purchase a batch of low-cost devices for uninsured families or high-needs seniors.
4. Coordinate digital literacy workshops, recruiting Rotarians and tech-savvy student volunteers as mentors.
5. Publicize the project in partnership with local schools and government newsletters to reach target populations.
2. Project: Environmental Awareness – Responsible Battery and Holiday Waste Disposal Campaign
Area of Rotary Focus: Supporting the Environment, Community Health
Context:
A new Illinois law requires proper battery disposal due to fire risks; residents are also seeking guidance on the correct disposal of Christmas trees and other seasonal waste. Environmental sustainability and public safety are interlinked concerns, especially as improper battery disposal can lead to landfill fires and contamination.
Potential Partners:
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois)
- Local municipalities (Gurnee, Waukegan public works departments)
- Environmental clubs at local high schools
- Lake County Forest Preserves for potential event venues
- Scout troops and church groups for volunteer support
Next Steps:
1. Collaborate with SWALCO and city governments to disseminate clear, multilingual educational materials about new battery disposal rules and holiday waste options (tree chipping, recycling drop-offs).
2. Organize “Green Days” in Gurnee and Waukegan: community collection events for batteries and small electronics, combined with post-holiday tree and light strand drop-offs.
3. Invite local youth groups and schools to help create and share educational displays or short presentations to increase involvement and spread awareness.
4. Utilize Rotary’s network to sponsor battery recycling bins in public buildings, monitored and serviced by the club with SWALCO support.
5. Track participation and waste diverted, sharing impact results with the community to encourage ongoing responsible habits.
Both projects respond directly to recent headlines and expressed community needs, while aligning with Rotary’s commitment to education, technological advancement, environment, and community health.
1. Expanding Literacy and Academic Enrichment for Youth
Context:
Lake County’s recent success in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, highlighted by seventh-grader Visharad Sathish’s victory and his journey to the National Spelling Bee, showcases both the academic talent and the high level of student participation (hundreds of youth, 73 schools). This event, along with Waukegan classroom initiatives like the donation of “little libraries” to elementary schools, reveals strong local interest in student literacy, academic competitions, and youth empowerment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan, Grayslake, Island Lake)
- John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan (contact: Ashley Whitaker)
- Public library systems (e.g., Waukegan Public Library)
- Nonprofits promoting youth literacy and academic achievement
Next Steps:
a. Organize a Rotary-sponsored countywide literacy and academic enrichment festival that includes spelling bees, reading challenges, and workshops on study skills and language arts.
b. Fundraise or apply for grants to provide “Book Bucks” or book stipends for underserved students, and sponsor permanent “little libraries” at local parks and schools.
c. Host literacy mentorship programs pairing Rotary members and community volunteers with students preparing for spelling bees, reading competitions, or seeking reading support.
d. Contact the Regional Office of Education and partner schools to gauge needs, confirm buy-in, and identify event timing and locations.
e. Recruit additional community sponsors (local businesses, libraries, educational supply stores) for event funding and in-kind support.
2. Promoting Community Health During Rising Seasonal Illnesses
Context:
A recent regional uptick in flu and seasonal illness, with public health resources stretched thin, highlights the ongoing need for wellness outreach and prevention, especially as cold weather persists. The high participation of families and children in school and extracurricular events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County underscores both the risk of illness spread and the potential for effective, targeted health interventions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school nurse networks and PTAs
- NorthShore University HealthSystem (Lake County campuses)
- Community pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS)
- Parent groups and youth sports leagues
Next Steps:
a. Launch a Rotary “Health Smart” campaign with pop-up clinics at school and community events, offering free flu shots, hand hygiene education, and wellness kits (hand sanitizer, tissues, educational pamphlets).
b. Coordinate with the Health Department and local healthcare providers to secure medical volunteers and vaccine supplies.
c. Hold an educational webinar series (in partnership with schools and libraries) addressing flu prevention, proper battery disposal (tying in environmental health laws), and other timely health topics.
d. Seek sponsorships or donations from local businesses and healthcare groups to subsidize costs.
e. Promote events through school newsletters, social media, and community partners. Analyze event feedback to plan future outreach around immunization, nutrition, or mental health.
1. Project: Support Local Food Pantries Amid Increased Demand
Rotary Focus Area: Community Health, Fighting Disease
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Lake County towns like Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake, have recently reported a significant spike in visits. This increase reflects ongoing food insecurity likely due to economic strains from business and retailer closures (as referenced in the recent reports about Illinois businesses shutting down in 2025 and 2026). With winter in full swing, many families are stretched even further.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local churches (e.g., Wildwood Presbyterian, St. Paul Lutheran in Waukegan)
- Local businesses (for in-kind or financial support)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with representatives of the above food pantries and service organizations to identify the most urgent needs (fresh foods, staples, volunteers, funding).
- Organize a multi-site community food drive and awareness campaign, leveraging Rotary’s network and collaborating with local schools, businesses, and faith groups.
- Investigate grant opportunities or a Rotary club fundraising event—potentially a “Spring Pantry Challenge” or virtual walk/run to raise both food and funds.
- Develop a schedule for ongoing volunteer support at pantry sites, incorporating Rotary members and community partners.
- Highlight the work and stories through local media to drive continued engagement.
2. Project: School Success Kits for At-Risk Students
Rotary Focus Area: Education & Literacy, Supporting Youth
Context:
Despite high marks for some area schools, just-released 2025 rankings reinforce deep disparities across Lake County. School-age children—especially in Waukegan and nearby areas—continue to struggle with access to resources (school supplies, technology, warm winter clothing) that enable educational success. Community programs like Mindsee.it (highlighted as a tutoring resource) suggest further local demand for after-school academic support.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Mindsee.it and other tutoring programs
- School social workers and counselors
- Grayslake and Waukegan Public Libraries
- United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Survey local school social workers and counselors to pinpoint most critical supply and support gaps.
- Secure donations of school supplies, backpacks, winter coats, and hygiene items through club drives and partner businesses.
- Partner with Mindsee.it and libraries to promote tutoring sessions, homework hubs, or “learning Saturdays” staffed by vetted volunteers.
- Distribute kits and support information ahead of spring testing and summer break, especially targeting schools with the highest needs.
- Track student outcomes and feedback for potential annual expansion or addition of scholarship/mentoring elements.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities, matched to recent community themes and Rotary’s areas of focus, relevant for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Community Art & Wellness Day
Areas of Focus: Community Health, Education, Youth Development
Context:
The Grayslake events calendar highlights an active artisan market scene (such as the “DeStash Bash” and “Superbowl & Sweethearts - Valentine Market”). Local event venues like KC's Cabin and Hitz The Spot are fostering artisan and family-friendly events. However, there is not a clear intersection of these creative gatherings with community health or youth well-being. Mental health, particularly for teens, and access to wellness resources is a growing need across Lake County and in Waukegan and Gurnee schools.
Potential Partners:
- Local artists/artisans featured at events like the DeStash Bash
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Youth mental health providers (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling of Lake County)
- Grayslake Arts Alliance
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee including Rotarians, local artists, and school counselors.
- Secure a public venue like a school, library, or community center.
- Host a Community Art & Wellness Day combining art workshops/exhibits with short presentations and information booths from mental health and wellness organizations.
- Add youth art showcases and interactive stations on topics like mindfulness, stress management, and creative expression as a wellness tool.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses; use proceeds from artisan sales or silent auctions to support mental health initiatives in Lake County schools or local nonprofits.
2. Green Market & Environmental Education Fair
Areas of Focus: Environment, Education, Community Development
Context:
Lake County communities are active with markets and vendor events, but there’s growing concern about environmental sustainability, waste reduction, and resilience to climate change (as seen regionally and via interest in “de-stash” and upcycling events). Lake County Forest Preserves, the Lake County Sustainability Office, and local environmental groups regularly seek public awareness opportunities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL)
- Local sustainability groups (e.g., Go Green Lake County)
- Gurnee Garden Club, Waukegan Park District
- Vendors from the DeStash Bash and Superbowl & Sweethearts markets
- School environmental clubs
Next Steps:
- Invite community vendors/artisans who use recycled/upcycled materials to showcase and sell products at a “Green Market.”
- Set up hands-on booths/demonstrations on composting, rain barrels, recycling, pollinator gardening, and energy efficiency.
- Offer kid-friendly environmental activities and host a “Green Challenge” for local schools.
- Partner with SWALCO for free recycling drop-offs (e.g., electronics, textiles) during the event.
- Use Rotary volunteers as educators and guides; proceeds from booth fees or a concurrent raffle can fund local tree planting, pollinator gardens, or an environmental education grant for area schools.
1. Substance Use Education & Support Initiative (Community Health, Youth)
Context:
Recent coverage highlights Nicasa Behavioral Health Services' ongoing efforts to provide substance use and recovery support in Lake County. Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board also promotes accessible treatment resources. Substance use, including among youth and families, remains a significant concern across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (already active in the area) - Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board - Local schools (especially high schools and middle schools) - Youth organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Recommended Service or Fundraising Opportunity:
Organize an annual educational seminar or forum for families and youth, featuring Nicasa counselors, public health professionals, and individuals in recovery. This could be complemented by fundraising events to support:
- Scholarships for youth to attend Nicasa counseling programs
- Community resource kits (literature, Narcan distribution, parent toolkits)
- Transportation vouchers for those seeking treatment
Next Steps: - Meet with Nicasa and the Mental Health Board to discuss current gaps and program expansion. - Partner with school administrators to schedule sessions. - Form a Rotary committee to coordinate logistics, fundraising, and publicity. - Apply for Rotary grants and seek matching funds from local businesses.
2. Environmental Awareness & Christmas Tree Recycling Drive (Environment, Community Education)
Context:
Lake Forest's holiday tree recycling program motivates residents to act sustainably, and holiday waste reduction is an area with high community engagement potential. Expanded, county-wide awareness is needed to ensure proper disposal and recycling of trees and other holiday-related waste, especially in large towns like Gurnee and Waukegan.
Potential Partners: - Municipal public works departments (Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan) - Solid waste/recycling haulers (e.g., SWALCO, Waste Management) - School environmental clubs - Local garden clubs and nurseries
Recommended Service or Fundraising Opportunity:
Launch a coordinated, tri-city "Green the Holidays" campaign:
- Host drop-off events for Christmas trees, providing information on converting trees to mulch for public parks or offering mulch to residents at a spring event.
- Incorporate a youth education component in schools on recycling, composting, and holiday waste reduction.
- Fundraise for the purchase of new park trees or support for local environmental projects.
Next Steps: - Contact public works and SWALCO to coordinate logistics and locations for drop-off. - Recruit volunteers from Rotary, schools, and scouting organizations. - Organize publicity via local media, social media, and schools. - Develop educational handouts and schedule youth presentations. - Track participation and environmental impact for future grant proposals.
These projects directly support Rotary’s areas of focus while connecting with pressing local needs and current initiatives in Lake County.
1. Mental Health Outreach and Support Program (Aligned with Community Health & Supporting the Gurnee Police Department’s CARE Team)
Context:
Recently, the Gurnee Police Department launched the CARE (Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement) Team to address mental health issues in the community—a growing concern in Lake County and nationwide. The ongoing need for public education on mental health, destigmatization, and support resources continues to challenge local communities.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee Police Department CARE Team
- Lake County Health Department
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Local schools and libraries
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with CARE Team leaders and NAMI Lake County to identify outreach gaps (public education, resource navigation, support groups).
- Host a series of educational workshops or community forums on mental health awareness, crisis management, and available local resources, possibly located at the library or local schools.
- Organize a fundraising walk/run or benefit dinner to support the CARE Team’s resources and local mental health programs, with Rotarians handling logistics, volunteer engagement, and publicity.
2. Youth Food Security and Nutrition Initiative (Aligned with Supporting Education and Community Health)
Context:
Recent regional news highlights tragic cases of child neglect and hunger (e.g., the report of a 7-year-old starved in Lake County). Meanwhile, retail/restaurant closures and enduring economic challenges are straining food access for vulnerable youth and families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and across Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Park district community centers
- Existing youth outreach nonprofits (i.e., COOL Ministries, Boys & Girls Club Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to schools and food bank coordinators to gauge current needs and the most underserved populations (such as elementary students during weekends and holidays when school meals are unavailable).
- Launch a recurring “Backpack Food Program” (weekend food kits sent home discreetly with students), coordinated by Rotarians and supported by food bank partners and school social workers.
- Organize seasonal community food drives and nutrition education events, raising funds to supplement ongoing backpack/bag programs and provide healthy snacks at afterschool sites.
- Leverage Rotary’s network for volunteer packing events and to solicit corporate sponsorships or local business support for fundraising.
These two focused initiatives would respond directly to current community needs, demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to health, youth, and education—and enhance partnerships with local organizations actively engaged in these critical service areas.