Certainly. Given the lack of detailed news stories from January 5, 2026, but mindful of ongoing community needs and known recent trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two service and fundraising ideas that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, local context, and potential partners:
1. Mobile Wellness Clinic for Underserved Lake County Communities
Context:
Lake County, including Waukegan and parts of Gurnee, continues to face disparities in healthcare access, especially among underserved families and seniors. Area hospitals like Vista Health and Lake County Health Department have highlighted ongoing needs for basic screenings, mental health support, and health education. Community health is a vital Rotary area of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Vista Health System
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (student volunteers)
- Local churches and community centers (for hosting events)
- Walgreens/CVS (for flu shots, test kits donation)
Next Steps:
a) Reach out to the Lake County Health Department and propose a collaboration to staff and promote the mobile clinics.
b) Identify locations and key populations by consulting city officials and community organizations in Gurnee and Waukegan.
c) Recruit medical professionals as volunteers, potentially leveraging Rotary contacts and local universities.
d) Organize Rotary-led fundraising events (such as charity walks or health fairs) to cover equipment and transportation costs.
e) Develop a communications plan to inform residents via local media, churches, and schools.
2. Environmental Education and Green Spaces Revitalization Initiative
Context:
With local governments and environmental groups increasing attention on green spaces, Lake County is working to enhance public parks and natural areas, especially in the face of climate change and water quality concerns. Many school-aged children in Waukegan and Gurnee lack access to robust environmental education and regularly maintained outdoor spaces. Investing in this area addresses both Rotary’s environmental and education focus areas.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- Local PTA groups and District 60 (Waukegan) and District 56 (Gurnee) schools
- Clean Up Give Back Lake County
- Faith-based youth groups (for volunteer support)
Next Steps:
a) Connect with park district leaders to assess priority parks or natural areas needing restoration, tree planting, or invasive species removal.
b) Design a “Rotary Green Day” including hands-on environmental education activities for youth (e.g., nature walks, pollinator planting, recycling workshops).
c) Work with local teachers to align programming with school science curricula and recruit student and parent volunteers.
d) Partner with environmental nonprofits for supplies and expertise, and plan fundraisers—like a “sponsor a tree” drive—to fund materials and educational materials.
e) Publicize the initiative in local newsletters and social media, encouraging broad community participation.
Certainly! Based on the recent Lake County news items, here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising projects that align with Rotary’s areas of focus and are directly relevant to the needs and initiatives highlighted in the community.
1. Digital Equity Empowerment Workshops
Context:
Lake County is actively pushing for digital equity, with Digital Equity Coordinator Kim Lunt emphasizing the importance of digital access as “everything is online.” Many residents, especially low-income families, seniors, and recent immigrants, still lack digital literacy and access to reliable devices or internet.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Digital Equity Office (Kim Lunt)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools)
- Waukegan and Gurnee public libraries
- Local tech retailers or refurbishers
- Youth volunteers from local high schools or colleges
Next Steps:
- Organize a meeting with Kim Lunt to align on community needs and identify target neighborhoods.
- Collaborate with libraries and schools to offer weekend digital skills workshops for families and seniors.
- Seek donations and partnerships from local businesses to obtain devices (laptops, tablets) for distribution or loan.
- Recruit and train Rotarians and youth volunteers to facilitate training on using essential online services, safe internet use, and device maintenance.
- Host a fundraising event to support device acquisition and internet access subsidies for underserved residents.
2. Community Book Outreach & Little Free Library Expansion
Context:
A Waukegan school class recently donated “little libraries” to elementary schools, reinforcing the need for access to books and literacy promotion among youth. Rotary’s focus on education and youth can amplify this movement, especially in areas with book deserts or low literacy rates.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee public schools
- Waukegan Library Foundation
- Local builders or woodworking clubs
- Bookstores and publishers (for book donations)
- Nonprofits like Little Free Library
Next Steps:
- Connect with the teachers or organizers from the school class that started the little library initiative to build on their efforts.
- Identify neighborhoods and schools with the greatest need for free book access.
- Organize a volunteer build-day (possibly with local builders or youth clubs) to craft additional weatherproof library boxes.
- Launch a community book drive to collect new and gently used children’s and teen books.
- Partner with literacy organizations for storytelling events and reading mentorship programs at each new Little Free Library location.
- Explore sponsorships or grants to sustain and expand the initiative.
These projects directly address current events and ongoing needs in Lake County, align with Rotary’s mission, and offer meaningful, collaborative opportunities for local impact.
1. Lake County Literacy & Youth Enrichment Initiative: Spelling Bee Recognition and Communitywide Reading Challenge
Context:
The recent regional success of local seventh-grader Visharad Sathish at the Lake County Spelling Bee—and his advancement to the Scripps National Spelling Bee—spotlights youth academic achievement, literacy, and the power of academic competition. With wide engagement (73 schools participating), this is an opportunity to expand community literacy and support youth educational excellence, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus on basic education and literacy and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (e.g., Lake Forest Country Day School, John Lewis Middle School, Matthews Middle School)
- Local libraries and Friends of the Library groups
- Literacy-focused NGOs (e.g., Reading Power Inc., Bernie’s Book Bank)
- Local businesses for sponsorships
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Office of Education and spelling bee organizers to recognize all county-level participants at a celebratory Rotary event, highlighting their dedication and achievements.
- Launch a Summer Reading Challenge or Spelling Bee “Preparation Camp” in partnership with local schools and libraries, targeting elementary and middle school students across Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider county.
- Organize a public “Literacy Festival” with activities like spelling competitions, book donations, author visits, and workshops for students and families.
- Identify potential Rotary volunteers to serve as reading mentors or camp counselors.
- Seek sponsorships, grants, or book donations to enhance resources for under-resourced schools in the area.
2. Environmental Sustainability and Education: "Words & Woods" Outdoor Reading Spaces
Context:
The emphasis on reading and enrichment opportunities (with news of class-donated "little libraries") alongside rising environmental awareness in Lake County, presents an opportunity to merge Rotary’s focus on education and environmental stewardship. Community input regularly highlights the need for more accessible and inviting outdoor educational spaces—especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, where many children lack safe, green areas for study or recreation.
Potential Partners:
- Local park districts (Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District)
- School “Green Clubs” and environmental science classes
- Public libraries and PTA associations
- Environmental education nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves)
- Local lumberyards, landscape businesses, or garden centers for in-kind donations
Next Steps:
- Approach park districts and libraries to identify potential sites for installing new “Little Libraries,” outdoor reading benches, or sheltered mini-classrooms, focusing on underserved neighborhoods.
- Invite local youth and school classes to help design or decorate these reading spaces, blending literacy promotion with environmental art and stewardship.
- Organize fundraising events (such as a “Books & Blooms” walkathon or green fair) with proceeds earmarked for installation and ongoing maintenance.
- Expand educational impact by collaborating with environmental groups to offer nature-themed reading lists, outdoor story hours, and eco-literacy workshops.
- Develop a schedule and volunteer pool for periodic clean-up, book restocking, and community programming in these new outdoor literacy spaces.
1. Food Security Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent reports highlight a significant surge in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County. Rising food insecurity is a primary concern as pandemic-era aid has ended and inflation persists. Rotary’s focus on community health and fighting hunger aligns strongly with this urgent regional need.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pantries such as COOL Food Pantry (Waukegan), Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee), and Shields Township Pantry
- Local churches and interfaith organizations
- Corporate donors (Jewel-Osco, Walmart, local grocers)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to pantry leaders and Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess current needs (demand, food shortages, supply gaps)
- Organize a district-wide Rotary food drive, including both in-kind (nonperishable food items) and monetary donations
- Coordinate volunteer efforts for food sorting, packaging, and distribution
- Promote awareness through social media, collaboration with local schools, and partnerships with chambers of commerce
- Consider a “Mobile Pantry Day” in high-need neighborhoods, combining food distribution with health resource booths
2. Youth Education & Enrichment: Free Community STEM Tutoring Program
Context:
The presence of services like Mindsee.it and recent coverage of tutoring initiatives point to local interest in boosting youth education. Schools in Waukegan and parts of Lake County often have significant achievement gaps, and families face barriers to affordable academic support. A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) tutoring initiative would directly address Rotary’s emphasis on education and supporting youth.
Potential Partners:
- Mindsee.it (local tutoring business featured in the news)
- Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 and Gurnee School District 56
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- College of Lake County education students (volunteer tutors)
- Youth service nonprofits (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene an exploratory meeting with Mindsee.it and school district officials to assess need, potential curriculum focus, and logistics
- Recruit Rotarian volunteers and area college students for tutoring and mentorship roles
- Secure space at libraries or community centers for weekly drop-in tutoring sessions
- Launch a back-to-school fundraising campaign for supplies, Chromebooks, and program support
- Publicize program availability via school newsletters, local news, and social media, prioritizing low-income families and students most in need
These two initiatives can be launched independently or combined for larger-scale impact. Both directly address critical needs in Lake County, strengthen Rotary’s community profile, and are feasible with strong local partnerships.
1. Youth Mental Health and Well-being Initiative
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, has seen rising concern over youth mental health following the pandemic and ongoing societal pressures. The area has also faced increased reports of stress and anxiety among students, especially as several local schools and parents have called for additional support services. Given Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting youth, an initiative addressing mental health aligns directly with both immediate and long-term needs.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Gurnee School District 56 and Waukegan Public Schools
- Lake County Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services
- Youth organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local mental health providers (e.g., NAMI Lake County)
Next Steps:
a) Reach out to school administration and counselors to understand current resources and gaps.
b) Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department and NAMI to organize a Mental Health Awareness Campaign, including workshops for students and parents on stress management and available resources.
c) Plan a fundraising event (such as a community wellness walk or art sale, collaborating with local artisan markets like those identified on the Grayslake Event Calendar) to fund school-based mental health programs or counseling sessions.
d) Recruit volunteers (possibly from school and youth organizations) to promote peer-to-peer support and resilience training.
2. Environmental and Community Beautification Project
Context:
Lake County communities are prioritizing clean, healthy public spaces. The expansion of artisan and outdoor markets in Spring Grove and Lindenhurst attests to growing community engagement with local spaces and interest in environmental sustainability. Rotary’s environment area of focus can be addressed through local beautification and waste reduction initiatives around these community events, enhancing the experience for residents while promoting stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Village of Gurnee and Waukegan public works/environmental departments
- Local artisan markets and event organizers (e.g., organizers of the Superbowl & Sweethearts markets, KC’s Cabin, HitZ the Spot)
- Environmental groups (Citizens’ Greener Evanston, Go Green Lake County)
- School environmental clubs and scout troops
Next Steps:
a) Contact organizers of recurring community events and markets to propose a “Zero Waste Event” partnership, providing recycling/composting stations and environmental education displays.
b) Organize Rotary-led volunteer clean-up days before and after these events.
c) Coordinate with local businesses to sponsor supplies (bins, gloves, signage) and promote the project.
d) Work with schools or clubs to develop educational materials about recycling and sustainability to distribute at events.
e) Celebrate results by inviting officials and press to a recognition ceremony, highlighting Rotary’s impact.
Both opportunities leverage current community activity and needs, provide strong potential for partnership, and are tied directly to Rotary’s areas of focus and local engagement.
1. Community Substance Use Awareness & Support Initiative
Context:
A recent article (“Understanding Substance Use Treatment and Support Available”) highlighted efforts by the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to publicize available substance use support services. Given the ongoing opioid crisis and broad community concern about addiction—especially among youth and vulnerable adults—an amplified, Rotary-led awareness and support campaign would address a critical need. It also aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and disease prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Lake County Health Department
- Local organizations like Live4Lali (an established substance use support nonprofit)
- Schools (District 121, 56, 50 in Waukegan/Gurnee)
- Youth-focused organizations and parent groups
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Vernon Township Board and Live4Lali to collaborate on a town hall or resource fair focused on substance use and mental health.
- Work with local schools to develop co-hosted student forums or parent education seminars.
- Apply for a Rotary grant and seek sponsorships for materials, event promotion, and Narcan training kits.
- Publicize available treatment, support, and recovery resources via print, social, and local business partners.
- Consider funding and distributing lock boxes for prescription medications to local families.
2. Post-Holiday Environmental Stewardship & Tree Recycling Drive
Context:
Lake Forest is publicizing its annual Christmas tree recycling, an opportunity to expand and engage more communities around environment-focused service—one of Rotary’s key areas. Many trees still go to landfill due to lack of awareness or transportation challenges. An expanded Rotary drive could add free curbside pick-up for seniors and people with disabilities in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake County, along with a public educational campaign on responsible disposal and recycling year-round.
Potential Partners:
- City of Lake Forest public works/environmental services
- Local waste haulers (e.g., Groot, Waste Management)
- Scout troops and high school environmental clubs
- Gurnee and Waukegan senior centers
- Local garden centers, which could use recycled mulch
Next Steps:
- Contact Lake Forest public works and local waste haulers to organize community recycling partnerships.
- Get commitments from student volunteers and Scout troops for labor and outreach, especially for curbside pick-up for seniors and residents with mobility issues.
- Fund or seek in-kind donations for publicity (flyers, social media) and logistics (trucks/collection bins).
- Publicize event dates and instructions in partnership with schools, libraries, and community centers.
- Use this as a springboard for subsequent Rotary environment events like park clean-ups or e-waste drives.
Based on recent events and themes in Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—including business closures, youth educational needs, public safety concerns, and historic community awareness—the following two Rotary service or fundraising project ideas align well with Rotary's focus areas:
1. “Youth STEAM Tutoring and Mentorship Initiative”
Context:
A local feature highlighted Mindsee.it, an education startup promoting unique tutoring for children. Coupled with ongoing learning disparities exacerbated both by pandemic disruptions and resource gaps in Lake County, supporting youth educational outcomes remains pressing. Closing local businesses (e.g., a Libertyville coffee shop) may also mean fewer safe public spaces for youth to gather productively after school.
Potential Partners:
- Mindsee.it tutoring program
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee District 56)
- Public libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Library)
- Park districts as potential host sites for sessions
Next Steps:
- Meet with Mindsee.it and area educators to assess needs and design a volunteer-based afterschool program pairing Rotary members (“mentors”) with students for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) enrichment.
- Seek grant or fundraising opportunities to provide technology, supplies, and potential stipends for program implementation.
- Initiate a pilot at one or two libraries or community centers, then evaluate for expansion based on participation and feedback.
2. “Community Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness Campaign”
Context:
Recent news noted a fire that destroyed a fast food restaurant in Lake County. Such incidents underscore the importance of public preparedness around fire safety—not just for businesses, but for families and youth. Increasing incidents involving celebratory gunfire (as seen in the Beach Park bar parking lot), and the onset of winter storms and hazardous weather, further highlight the necessity of community resilience and emergency response education.
Potential Partners:
- Local fire departments (e.g., Gurnee Fire Department, Waukegan Fire Department)
- American Red Cross of Northern Illinois
- Local businesses (for hosting events or providing supplies)
- School parent-teacher organizations (for outreach)
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with area fire departments to design engaging workshops and distribute “fire safety kits” (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, family safety plan templates) through schools and community events.
- Fundraise for kit supplies, and recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with home safety checks for seniors or at-risk families.
- Organize a series of public events or safety fairs, especially timed before major winter or holiday seasons, featuring live fire safety demonstrations and youth educational activities.