Certainly! Drawing on recent local concerns and enduring needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the greater Lake County area—and aligned with Rotary International’s areas of focus—here are two actionable service or fundraising opportunities. These proposals reflect both the winter season and consistent, broad community interests in health, wellbeing, and youth empowerment that often appear across news cycles, especially during and after the holidays:
1. Community Wellness & Mental Health Fair (“Start Fresh: Mind and Body”)
Context:
A notable theme in recent editorials and community discussions is the need for rest, reflection, and improved wellbeing to begin the new year. Post-holiday stress, winter isolation, and economic pressures tend to amplify mental health needs in Lake County each January. Waukegan and Gurnee, in particular, have a mix of underserved populations, youth, seniors, and working families who could benefit from greater access to wellness resources, information, and social connection.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Park Districts (Gurnee, Waukegan)
- Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine
- Local YMCAs and faith groups
Next Steps:
- Form a planning committee with reps from the above partners and Rotary.
- Secure a venue (e.g., park district facility or community college).
- Invite local healthcare providers, mental health advocates, and organizations for workshops, screenings, and resource sharing.
- Publicize to families, seniors, and youth-based organizations in the area.
- Incorporate stress-relief activities: yoga sessions, art therapy, mini-massages.
- Recruit and assign Rotarians for event support, logistics, and follow-up survey outreach.
2. Winter Learning Kits & Pop-Up Tutoring for Kids (“Winter Warmth for Young Minds”)
Context:
School breaks and winter weather can exacerbate opportunity gaps for children in lower-income families, particularly in Waukegan and parts of Gurnee. Challenges include food insecurity, lack of enrichment, digital divides, and the threat of “winter slide” in literacy and STEM skills.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library
- Gurnee Exchange Club
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with schools and libraries to identify kids most in need.
- Source or fundraise for learning materials: books, STEM kits, brain games; include healthy snacks and “warmth” items like gloves/hats.
- Schedule a series of “pop-up tutoring” and activity sessions at the library, park districts, or select apartment complexes.
- Organize Rotary member volunteers to distribute kits and lead activities.
- Collect feedback from parents, teachers, and students for improvement and sustainability.
Both projects directly support Rotary’s focus areas (community health, education, youth), foster ongoing partnerships, and offer high-visibility service opportunities for local Rotarians.
Certainly! Based on recent news and needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Little Free Libraries Expansion & Youth Literacy Initiative
Rotary Focus Area: Education and Literacy
Context:
Waukegan students recently built and donated “little libraries” to local elementary schools to promote reading. This grassroots literacy effort meets a clear, ongoing need for children’s access to books and parental engagement in literacy. Rotary can support and expand this impactful youth-led service, building on a project that is already embraced locally.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan public schools and district administration
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Waukegan Public Library
- The original student group/teacher advisors behind the recent project
- Local businesses for book donations (bookstores, Target, Walmart)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Waukegan school district to learn more about the recent “little libraries” project and identify schools/areas still lacking access.
2. Organize a campaign to collect new and gently used children’s books across Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby towns.
3. Fundraise to build, install, and maintain additional little free libraries at underserved schools and public locations—potential for Rotarians to participate in construction and painting events.
4. Launch family literacy days at library sites, with volunteers reading to children, distributing books, and providing take-home literacy packets.
5. Publicize the project and encourage ongoing community participation so libraries stay replenished.
2. Digital Inclusion Workshops and Device Drive
Rotary Focus Area: Community Economic Development & Basic Education and Literacy
Context:
Lake County officials, led by Digital Equity Coordinator Kim Lunt, highlight a persistent digital divide: “Everything is online,” but many residents lack reliable internet access or devices. As the county aims to extend digital equity efforts, there’s an opportunity for Rotary to support both access and skills training, particularly for students and low-income families.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Digital Equity Office (Kim Lunt)
- Nonprofits advocating digital inclusion (e.g., PCs for People, local library tech programs)
- Gurnee and Waukegan public schools and park districts
- Local businesses (Best Buy, Staples, tech refurbishers) for device donations and sponsorships
- Corporate or foundation grant programs focused on digital literacy
Next Steps:
1. Meet with the Lake County Digital Equity Office to identify high-need neighborhoods and current resource gaps.
2. Organize a device drive (laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots) with local businesses, targeting under-resourced families and students.
3. Host free digital literacy workshops at community centers and libraries, recruiting Rotarians and partner organization staff as trainers (covering topics like safe internet use, online applications, parent portals, and job searches).
4. Fundraise and apply for grants to purchase new or refurbished devices if donation supply is insufficient.
5. Follow up with recipient families—offer “ask a tech expert” office hours and ensure ongoing impact.
These two projects strengthen education, foster economic opportunity, and address critical community needs identified in Lake County’s recent news. Both offer hands-on service and fundraising opportunities for Rotary members and would provide meaningful, sustainable impact.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Lake County’s recent regional spelling bee illustrates both the academic talent in the area and strong student, family, and school engagement in literacy activities. Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old from Lake Forest Country Day School, is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, following in his brother’s footsteps. The event, coordinated by local educators like Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) and Regional Superintendent Michael Karner, involved students from 73 schools and highlighted enthusiasm for language, reading, and personal achievement. The spelling bee spotlight also aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting education and literacy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Courtney Curry)
- Participating schools and teachers (e.g., John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities
- Parent volunteers and community organizations (such as PTOs)
Next Steps:
- Propose a Rotary-sponsored “Words and Wisdom” program: organize book drives for local schools and libraries; fund subscriptions for educational resources (Merriam Webster Unabridged, Britannica Online) for classrooms or after-school programs.
- Plan and host literacy workshops, reading clubs, or spelling bee preparation clinics led by older students, past champions, or Rotarians.
- Offer scholarships or sponsorships for students attending national/state competitions or summer literacy camps.
- Meet with Michael Karner and local school administrators to discuss needs, logistics, and ways Rotary can enhance educational programming year-round.
2. Community Little Libraries Expansion & Stewardship
Context:
A recent Waukegan classroom initiative donated “little libraries” to local elementary schools, aiming to promote reading and book access for all. The community response, coupled with the focus on academic competitions and literacy, underscores both demand for accessible reading material and opportunities for local engagement around youth development and neighborhood improvement. Rotary’s Environment and Education focus areas overlap with stewardship and enhancement of community-based resources like little libraries.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan public schools (especially those that received or expressed need for little libraries)
- Local carpenters, scout troops, or high school shop classes (for library construction/repair)
- Neighborhood associations in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County
- Local businesses (for sponsorship of materials and stewardship)
- Public library systems
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with Waukegan educators to identify priority locations and enlist students as project ambassadors.
- Coordinate Rotary volunteer teams for building, installing, and periodically restocking little libraries with donated books.
- Host a community “Book Drive & Build Day,” engaging families, Rotarians, and local businesses in both book donation and library construction.
- Develop a volunteer-led rotation for ongoing maintenance, outreach, and "storytime" or literacy events at little library sites, increasing community usage and impact.
- Work with public libraries and schools to promote the program and provide educational materials about caring for shared reading resources.
1. Substance Abuse Prevention and Education in Response to Fentanyl Crisis
Context:
A recent news report highlighted that a man pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl in Lake County. With over 115 grams of powder and nearly 2,000 fentanyl pills seized, this signals an urgent crisis in opioid and synthetic drug abuse affecting Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding Lake County communities. The prevalence of fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid, calls for immediate community response, awareness initiatives, and youth/family education. Rotary’s area of focus in disease prevention and treatment, as well as supporting education and youth, strongly align with this need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Substance Abuse Program)
- Local law enforcement agencies (community outreach divisions)
- School Districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee District 56, Warren Township High School)
- Nonprofits (LEAD Lake County, PFLAG, Live4Lali)
- Healthcare providers (Advocate Condell Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital)
Next Steps:
- Convene a Rotary-sponsored roundtable with local health officials, educators, and law enforcement to identify the most urgent gaps in drug prevention education.
- Organize grant-funded educational workshops in middle and high schools across Lake County, featuring expert speakers, interactive presentations, and resource handouts for parents.
- Fundraise to provide fentanyl test strips and Narcan kits to community centers, and support local peer support groups for youth and families affected by substance abuse.
- Launch a multi-lingual public awareness campaign in collaboration with local media and social services, focusing on synthetic opioid dangers and available community resources.
2. Support for Local Food Pantries Facing Increased Demand
Context:
Recent reporting notes that Chicago-area (including Lake County) food pantries, such as those in Grayslake, are seeing a significant spike in visits over the past year, likely due to rising food prices and economic instability. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue locally, impacting children and vulnerable families. Addressing hunger supports Rotary’s focus on growing local economies, maternal and child health, and supporting education, as food insecurity directly affects school performance.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County satellite and partners)
- Local food pantries (Avon Township Pantry, Warren Township Food Pantry, COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Community organizations and faith groups (Catholic Charities Lake County, local churches and synagogues)
- Supermarkets/farmers’ markets (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Grayslake Farmers Market)
- Youth service clubs (Key Club, National Honor Society chapters)
Next Steps:
- Organize a monthly Rotary volunteer drive at key food pantries, with an emphasis on sorting donations, packing food, and delivering supplies to homebound seniors and families without transportation.
- Host a large-scale community fundraising event (e.g., benefit concert, raffle, or “Souper Bowl” soup tasting event with local restaurants) to purchase high-demand, healthy staples for pantries.
- Coordinate with local schools for a “Hunger Heroes” youth initiative, collecting and assembling weekend meal bags for students in need.
- Partner with grocery stores and farmers to secure regular surplus food donations.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to support infrastructure improvements (e.g., refrigeration, mobile pantry vans) as identified by pantry staff.
1. Mental Health First Aid Workshops for Youth & Families (Rotary Focus: Community Health, Education, and Youth)
Context:
Recent reports from Lake County—including Gurnee and Waukegan—have highlighted growing concerns over youth mental health challenges, exacerbated by prolonged effects of the pandemic, economic stress, and school pressures. Community organizations and schools, such as the Lake County Health Department, Woodland School District 50, and Waukegan CUSD 60, have made public calls for added mental health support for students and families. Both Grayslake and broader Lake County have seen rising demand for early intervention and accessible resources in mental wellness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Woodland 50, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Youth & Family Counseling, Libertyville
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County
- United Way of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Step 1: Convene an initial meeting with school social workers and local mental health professionals to assess current needs and potential workshop formats (virtual, in-person, multilingual).
- Step 2: Secure Rotary club funding or find event sponsors for materials, marketing, and refreshments.
- Step 3: Schedule quarterly workshops for parents, educators, and students to learn the basics of Mental Health First Aid and how to access help in a crisis.
- Step 4: Develop outreach materials for underserved neighborhoods in Waukegan and Gurnee, and work with school newsletters and local media (including Patch) for event promotion.
2. Environmental Stewardship: River and Wetland Clean-Up with STEM Education (Rotary Focus: Environment, Education, Youth)
Context:
Lake County’s Des Plaines River watershed—including areas through Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lindenhurst—has ongoing issues with litter, stormwater runoff, and invasive species, putting pressure on local ecosystems. Recent environmental studies and public feedback have prompted the Lake County Forest Preserves and local municipalities to seek more hands-on community involvement, especially youth-led initiatives, to sustain these water resources and educate residents. STEM engagement is in high demand in local schools, and pairing environmental service with education meets this need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves (Des Plaines North & South, Rollins Savanna)
- Gurnee Park District & Waukegan Park District
- Wild Ones Lake to Prairie Chapter
- Local school ecology clubs and STEM teachers (e.g., Grayslake Central, Waukegan High)
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Next Steps:
- Step 1: Identify targeted river or wetland locations in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lindenhurst for spring clean-up events, with ecological input from Forest Preserves staff.
- Step 2: Coordinate volunteer recruitment via Rotary, school clubs, and local businesses.
- Step 3: Develop educational components, such as short STEM activities (e.g., water testing, biodiversity surveying), offered to youth who participate.
- Step 4: Arrange sponsorships with local businesses (including artisans at nearby markets as promoted on Patch) to underwrite costs for gloves, tools, and refreshments, and create a recognition program for youth volunteers.
- Step 5: Publicize results and educational findings in community newsletters and on digital platforms to inspire further participation.
Context:
Lake County continues to face serious challenges from the opioid crisis, with a recent local news report highlighting a man pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl and the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board calling attention to available substance use support services. There is an urgent community need for effective prevention education, easier access to life-saving overdose reversal drugs like Narcan (naloxone), and support for affected individuals and families.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Live4Lali (local harm reduction nonprofit)
- Local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Osco)
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments
- Local school districts and PTA organizations
Next Steps:
- Schedule a Rotary committee meeting to invite representatives from the Lake County Health Department and Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to present on current services and gaps.
- Organize a community education night in partnership with local schools, featuring presentations on opioid misuse prevention, treatment resources, and a demonstration on Narcan administration.
- Allocate Rotary fundraising or district grant proceeds to purchase Narcan kits for distribution at the event and ongoing through local libraries, schools, and municipal buildings.
- Develop and distribute bilingual educational materials on substance abuse prevention and recovery resources.
- Coordinate with police and fire departments for proper Narcan training for interested community volunteers.
Context:
After the holiday season, local news highlights an annual push for Christmas tree recycling in Lake Forest. Many communities participate, but full awareness and involvement can lag. Additionally, youth engagement in hands-on environmental service opportunities remains a priority, particularly as climate and ecological awareness grows.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Public Works and Parks Departments
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local Scout troops and student environmental clubs (e.g., Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake Forest high schools)
- Faith-based youth groups (e.g., The Episcopal Preschool’s parent community)
- Groot Waste Management
- Local garden clubs (e.g., Lake Forest Garden Club)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with Public Works to expand the current Christmas tree recycling effort: collect more trees from residents, including those in apartment complexes, seniors’ housing, and underserved neighborhoods.
- Organize “TreeCycle Day” events where local youth, students, and Scouts help collect, chip, and distribute recycled mulch to community parks, school gardens, and public spaces.
- Integrate environmental education: invite local ecologists to speak to volunteers about the impact of recycling organics and caring for local green spaces.
- Encourage friendly inter-school competition to drive participation via service learning credits or awards.
- Use Rotary fundraising to supply gloves, safety vests, refreshments, and educational take-home kits for participating youth.
By addressing both the substance use crisis through public health interventions and channeling youth energy into tangible environmental action, the Rotary Club can make significant, immediate, and visible impacts on pressing Lake County needs.
1. Youth Education and Drug Prevention Workshops (Aligns with: Education, Community Health, Youth)
Context:
Recent news from Lake County highlights a substantial fentanyl distribution bust involving hundreds of grams of the opioid and thousands of pills. The prevalence of fentanyl-related crimes signals an urgent need for youth-focused drug education, addressing both awareness and prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office (leverage their education division and crime prevention programs)
- Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville)
- Mindsee.it (featured tutoring company in local news, potentially offering educational resources)
- Lake County Opioid Initiative (active local nonprofit)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Sheriff’s Office and school representatives to organize interactive workshops for middle and high school students.
- Invite subject matter experts and individuals affected by addiction to share stories.
- Develop a mentorship program pairing students with positive role models, potentially in partnership with Mindsee.it and local Rotary Youth/Interact clubs.
- Consider fundraising for the production of educational materials, toolkits for parents, and student scholarships for participation in enrichment opportunities.
2. Winter Wellness Initiative for Vulnerable Community Members (Aligns with: Community Health, Environment)
Context:
Recent National Weather Service warnings stress hazardous winter driving and snow events, which can disproportionately affect seniors, low-income families, and the disabled—preventing them from safely accessing groceries, healthcare, or warm environments. This is a recurring winter concern in the Lake County area.
Potential Partners:
- Local municipal governments (Village of Gurnee, Waukegan City)
- Social service agencies (e.g., Catholic Charities, Lake County Community Action Partnership)
- Faith-based organizations and youth groups
- Local grocery stores and pharmacies (for food and prescription delivery)
Next Steps:
- Launch a “Rotary Winter Wellness” program to mobilize volunteers for emergency snow shoveling, sidewalk clearance, and wellness checks on isolated residents.
- Collaborate with municipalities to identify high-need individuals via local registries.
- Seek donations of winter gear, space heaters, and supplies for those in need.
- Host a fundraising event to sustain the program, possibly including a community winter walk or fun run to raise awareness and funds. Use proceeds to purchase equipment and fund a small emergency grant program.
By focusing on these two projects, Rotary can directly address critical, current needs and engage youth, support community health, and foster partnerships throughout Lake County.