Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—and aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus—here are two service/fundraising project recommendations:
1. Emergency Food & Winter Preparedness Drive for Lake County Families
Area of Focus: Community Health & Economic Development
Context:
Although no individual local story was detailed, current news cycles (and common seasonal needs in Northern Illinois) indicate that winter remains a hardship for many Lake County residents, with rising costs of living, food insecurity, and fuel/electricity expenses. Waukegan and areas of Gurnee are home to a number of low-income families who frequently rely on local food pantries and warming centers, especially during cold snaps or storms. With the post-holiday season stretching resources, a Rotary-led drive can fill a critical gap.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County Distribution Center)
- Cool Ministries in Waukegan
- Lake County Community Action Partnership (CAP)
- Local school districts
- Township offices
- Corporate partners like Jewel-Osco or Target
Next Steps:
- Contact the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Lake County CAP to identify most urgent needs (food, hygiene, winter gear).
- Set up collection points at local libraries, schools, and grocery stores in Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Organize a volunteer team to sort and distribute donations on a set distribution weekend (possibly at a community center or church).
- Seek sponsorships or matching funds from local businesses to maximize impact.
- Publicize through social media, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards.
2. Youth Literacy & Mentorship Launch in Waukegan Schools
Area of Focus: Education & Youth Development
Context:
Lake County, especially Waukegan, has ongoing needs around youth literacy and mentoring. Waukegan District 60 serves a high percentage of students from low-income, non-English-speaking backgrounds. Data from previous years consistently show reading proficiency and graduation gaps. January signals the start of the second semester, making it an ideal time for an academic boost and emotional support for youth.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library
- Waukegan CUSD 60 (elementary and middle schools)
- United Way of Lake County (Success By 6, Reading Success)
- College of Lake County student volunteers
- Waukegan Park District (for meeting spaces)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan Public Library and District 60 literacy coordinators to discuss gaps and create a mentorship schedule.
- Recruit Rotarians, high school, and college students to serve as reading mentors and tutors, with appropriate background checks.
- Launch pilot after-school reading/mentorship clubs at one or two elementary schools this spring semester.
- Provide books and reading supplies, perhaps via a community book drive.
- Track attendance and reading gains to report back and possibly expand in fall.
Both projects address immediate and systemic needs while cultivating strong, sustainable partnerships, and engage Rotary members meaningfully with the Lake County community.
1. Mental Health and Wellness Outreach Program
Context:
The First Family Center of Lake County recently expanded, now serving over 240 clients with needs relating to anxiety, stress, and addictive behavior. The significant demand for mental health support highlights growing community needs, especially in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing societal pressures. Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas have seen increasing stressors on families and youth, making mental health a Rotary-relevant area (Disease Prevention & Treatment, and Supporting the Environment for Positive Mental Health).
Potential Partners:
- First Family Center of Lake County (Program host and expert advisors)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Local mental health advocacy nonprofits
- Faith-based organizations
- Youth clubs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the First Family Center to discuss co-hosting regular mental health workshops for families and youth, covering stress management, healthy coping, and substance abuse prevention.
- Coordinate with schools and youth organizations to promote outreach programs and identify at-risk families.
- Seek volunteer mental health professionals from Rotary or partnering agencies and explore grant funding to cover program costs.
- Organize an annual fundraiser (charity walk, dinner, or wellness fair) with proceeds supporting mental health resources, therapy scholarships, or educational materials for local residents.
2. Environmental Service Initiative: Waukegan Coal Ash Pond Remediation & Solar Future
Context:
Waukegan is the focus of two critical environmental news items: increasing local and state efforts to remove hazardous coal ash ponds left by legacy power plants, and the city’s candidacy for a new solar panel manufacturing facility (Solarge), promising 500 jobs and a “reversal of environmental legacy.” These issues dovetail with Rotary’s focus areas of Supporting the Environment and Economic/Community Development.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan’s Environmental Justice Task Force and city officials
- Illinois Solar Energy Association (for public education and training)
- Solarge (the company considering Waukegan for its factory—potential for public/private partnership)
- Local labor unions and workforce development agencies
- Sierra Club and other environmental advocacy groups
- High schools and College of Lake County (for STEM and workforce curriculum)
Next Steps:
- Convene a community education event on the hazards of coal ash and the benefits of clean energy, featuring environmental experts and renewable energy leaders.
- Develop a “Rotary Ambassador” program: train local students and adults as community educators/advocates for environmental justice and solar job readiness.
- Organize Rotary volunteer days to assist with environmental monitoring, park cleanups, or support for residents near affected areas.
- Partner with Solarge and educational institutions to sponsor a scholarship or internship program for local youth interested in renewable energy fields, especially from communities historically burdened by pollution.
- Raise funds via a green gala or eco-fair, proceeds supporting environmental initiatives and promoting local solar workforce training.
Both initiatives directly respond to current issues facing Lake County, foster valuable partnerships, and reflect Rotary’s core commitments to health, youth, environment, and education.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative – Spelling Bee Support & Expansion
Context:
Lake County’s Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old from Lake Forest Country Day School, recently won the regional spelling bee after a marathon 45+ round competition, earning a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. With active participation from 73 county schools and hundreds of students, it’s clear there’s both talent and enthusiasm for academic competitions, yet access and resources can vary widely—especially in under-resourced districts like Waukegan.
Rotary’s focus on basic education and literacy aligns directly with broadening opportunities for more students to excel and be inspired through spelling, reading, and language arts.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Superintendent; Courtney Curry, Assistant Superintendent)
- Participating schools, especially in Waukegan and underserved areas
- John Lewis Middle School (Ashley Whitaker, Dual Language Instructional Specialist)
- Local libraries and educational foundations
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Regional Office of Education to identify gaps in spelling bee and literacy support, especially for low-income schools.
- Launch a Rotary-funded Literacy Grant to subsidize study materials (dictionary subscriptions, books), transportation for participants, and tutoring/mentoring in spelling and reading.
- Organize volunteer teams to run reading clubs, host “mini bees,” and connect past competitors like Visharad Sathish or his brother Sahasrad as peer mentors for younger spellers.
- Facilitate a celebration or showcase event post-nationals to honor all participants, deepen Rotary’s connection to educational excellence, and encourage 2026 participation.
- Develop a fundraising event (dinner, trivia night, or sponsor-a-speller drive) to sustain these programs annually.
2. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Youth Facing Academic Pressure
Context:
The spelling bee’s intense competition—running over 40 rounds and drawing out emotional responses from both participants and families—highlights the mounting pressure area students face in rigorous academic environments. Lake County News-Sun’s reporting on the First Family Center of Lake County also points to continuing concerns about youth anxiety, stress, and addictive behavior. As schools and parents celebrate academic success, the need to balance achievement with emotional health becomes critical.
Rotary’s area of focus on community health can be applied by supporting youth mental health initiatives, particularly ones that acknowledge and address competition-related stress.
Potential Partners:
- First Family Center of Lake County (recently expanded to address youth anxiety and stress)
- School counselors and social workers within Lake County districts
- Youth-serving organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, YWCA Lake County)
- Local therapists and youth mental health advocates
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with the First Family Center and school mental health professionals to map current resources and identify service gaps, particularly for children in high-pressure academic settings.
- Create and fund Rotary-led mental health awareness workshops or “Resilience Skills” programs in schools, possibly timed with spelling, science, or math competitions to give students tools for coping with stress and high expectations.
- Recruit and train Rotarians as wellness mentors, able to connect students to resources or simply serve as positive adult role models sensitive to mental health needs.
- Organize a fundraising campaign (e.g., walkathon, “Bee Well” challenge, or community breakfasts) with proceeds supporting expanded counseling services, school wellness kits, or on-campus support groups.
- Advocate for policies within partner districts that require competition organizers to include wellness messaging and resource referrals at academic events.
1. Food Pantry Support & Expansion – Addressing Local Food Insecurity
Context:
Recent reports highlight that Chicago-area food pantries are experiencing a significant spike in visits over the past year. With increased demand, local pantries are being stretched thin just as inflation and housing insecurity challenge more families in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. The need for both immediate food provision and sustainable solutions is acute. This aligns directly with Rotary’s focus on community health, including hunger and nutrition.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake) - Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Aldi) - High school service clubs and church groups
Next Steps: - Reach out to pantry coordinators like those at COOL Ministries and Avon Township to assess critical needs (funding for food, volunteers, storage upgrades). - Organize a community food drive in partnership with local schools, businesses, and faith organizations, and designate proceeds for the most under-resourced pantries. - Seek grant opportunities through Rotary for refrigeration or shelving to help pantries scale up. - Arrange Rotary volunteer days at the pantries, and consider creating informational workshops for clients on nutrition and meal planning. - Publicize needs and success stories via social media and community bulletins to inspire longer-term support.
2. Youth Sports Equity & Support – Empowerment Through Athletics
Context:
Local news highlights the successes of Grayslake's girls teams in conference games as well as broader youth sports competitions throughout Lake County. Yet, access to quality sports programs, coaching, and equipment can be uneven, especially in lower-income areas like parts of Waukegan. Rotary’s focus on youth development and education can be advanced by supporting equitable access to youth sports.
Potential Partners: - Grayslake Park District and Waukegan Park District - Local school athletic departments (e.g., Grayslake Central High School, Waukegan High School) - YMCA of Lake County - Local businesses interested in sponsorship
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with area athletic directors and youth sports organizers to identify gaps (e.g., equipment needs, scholarship funds, transportation for games/practices). - Launch a "Sports for All" grant or equipment drive, inviting local businesses to donate funds or in-kind support (e.g., uniforms, team fees). - Coordinate Rotary club mentors and volunteers to coach, tutor, and support youth participants, focusing especially on underrepresented groups. - Celebrate local youth athletes at a Rotary-hosted recognition event, increasing community pride and engagement. - Evaluate program outcomes and look for opportunities to expand or adapt support to other youth enrichment activities.
These service opportunities directly address current local needs and advance Rotary’s mission in northern Lake County.
1. Youth Technology & Robotics Workshop Series
Context:
Recent events such as the “Lake County Technology Enthusiasts” meetup in Grayslake demonstrate growing local interest in STEM and technology. Waukegan, Gurnee, and broader Lake County are home to many youth who may lack access to hands-on STEM opportunities, particularly in underserved areas. Connecting students with STEM enrichment matches Rotary’s focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Technology Enthusiasts group (Grayslake)
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56, Woodland District 50, etc.)
- College of Lake County (CLC) STEM faculty/students
- Area businesses with STEM focus (Abbott, Medline, etc.)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the organizers of the Lake County Technology Enthusiasts meetup to discuss a joint workshop or mentorship program for middle and high school students.
- Contact local school district liaisons to promote the opportunity and recruit student participants.
- Arrange for volunteer facilitators (Rotarians, tech group members, high school/college mentors).
- Secure a location (public library, school, or community center).
- Develop a program curriculum including coding, robotics demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
- Seek local sponsorship or Rotary microgrants to cover materials.
2. Artisan & Youth Entrepreneur Market for Community Health Initiatives
Context:
Repeated “Superbowl & Sweethearts” and “DeStash Bash” artisan markets indicate significant participation of local makers and artisans. Building on this energy, a Rotary-hosted market could add fundraising for food insecurity or health-related causes in Lake County, such as supporting local food pantries or mental health initiatives, addressing Rotary’s focus on community health.
Potential Partners:
- Local artisans and businesses showcased at markets (e.g., those at KC's Cabin, Hitz The Spot)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank or COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Waukegan and Gurnee Park Districts (for venue support)
- Local youth groups (scouts, school clubs)
Next Steps:
- Connect with previous market organizers/vendors to coordinate a Rotary charity market event.
- Partner with local food pantries or community health organizations as beneficiaries—confirm specific needs (e.g., nonperishable food, hygiene items, funding).
- Arrange for advertising and event space; leverage Patch and social media for outreach.
- Involve local youth as vendors or volunteers, and offer a youth-entrepreneurship section/competition.
- Promote the dual purpose: supporting small business and raising funds/supplies for health causes.
- Organize post-event distribution of collected goods/funds to chosen community beneficiaries.
1. Expand and Support the Township Food Pantry (Focus: Community Health & Basic Needs)
Context:
The recent news highlighted "Record-Breaking Community Support Fuels Township Food Pantry in 2025." Hunger and food insecurity remain significant local concerns, with the Township Food Pantry serving hundreds in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan residents.
Potential Partners:
- Township Food Pantry (specified in the news)
- Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Organizations with similar missions (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
- Local high schools and student volunteer groups
Next Steps:
- Contact the leadership of the Township Food Pantry to identify current needs—such as food types most in demand, storage, and distribution help.
- Propose Rotary-led monthly or quarterly food drives, leveraging club and community networks.
- Collaborate with local schools and businesses for "food collection challenge" events to boost donations and involve youth.
- Organize Rotary volunteer days at the pantry for sorting, packing, and direct distribution to families.
- Seek grant opportunities from Rotary District or the Rotary Foundation to fund additional pantry resources, refrigeration, or delivery programs for seniors/homebound individuals.
2. Youth Digital Safety & Scam Prevention Workshops (Focus: Education & Youth Protection)
Context:
The Lake Forest community has been warned about a recent email scam. With the increase of digital threats targeting both youth and seniors, and considering the strong focus on education by local institutions like the Episcopal Preschool, there is a clear need for education around digital safety and scam prevention in the region.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools (e.g., The Episcopal Preschool, area middle/high schools)
- Lake Forest Police Department (community outreach division)
- Community centers and libraries
- Cybersecurity professionals or local IT companies
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local schools and the police department to gauge interest in co-hosting interactive workshops for students, parents, and seniors.
- Recruit volunteer speakers with expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy.
- Develop age-appropriate programming—interactive sessions for kids/teens, plus info seminars or print resources for older adults.
- Secure venues (schools, Rotary clubhouses, libraries) and publicity via school newsletters and municipal communication channels.
- Explore funding for free print materials, take-home guides, and follow-up sessions, possibly supported by Rotary grants or sponsorships from local businesses.
These two initiatives will address immediate community health needs alongside the growing requirement for digital literacy and safety, directly supporting Rotary’s priority of service in areas that matter currently in Lake County, IL.
1. Community Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative for Lake County
Context:
Recent tragic incidents—specifically the deaths involving individuals near Metra tracks in Libertyville—underscore the urgent need for increased mental health support and suicide prevention resources in Lake County. Data shows a growing mental health crisis nationwide and regionally, especially around high-stress periods such as the holidays. Rotary International routinely prioritizes mental health and wellbeing under its focus on community health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department, Behavioral Health Services
- Local Metra and rail safety offices
- NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Local schools and youth organizations
- Faith-based organizations
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department and NAMI Lake County to identify existing gaps in services and organize a Mental Health Awareness month event or ongoing campaign.
- Develop partnerships with Metra to consider signage or intervention resources at stations and along tracks, leveraging Rotary members as mental health advocates.
- Host a fundraising walk or "Out of the Darkness" event benefitting local crisis lines and suicide-prevention programs.
- Offer mental health first aid training for volunteers and promote youth-oriented support sessions in collaboration with schools and youth centers.
2. Safe Streets and Teen Traffic Safety Education Campaign
Context:
The Lake County Sheriff’s recent holiday traffic safety campaign, resulting in 58 stops, points to ongoing community concerns about safe driving—especially during high-risk periods. Rotary’s area of "Saving mothers and children" includes promoting public safety, while "Supporting education" applies to traffic safety awareness, especially for teens and young drivers.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Local high schools (Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville High School)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Key Clubs and other student leadership groups
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with local law enforcement and MADD to deliver interactive safe-driving workshops at area schools before major holidays and prom season.
- Fundraise for driving simulators, distracted driving awareness kits, or incentives like scholarship raffles for participants completing safety courses.
- Recruit and train Rotary volunteers as “Safe Streets Ambassadors” to assist with school-based activities and public safety events.
- Partner with IDOT to distribute bilingual road safety materials tailored for youth and families in Lake County’s diverse communities.
Both initiatives align with Rotary’s commitment to impactful, community-based service while addressing real-time needs evidenced in current local news.