Rotary Radar - 20260221

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health & Environmental Education Campaign: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Awareness and Advocacy** **Context:** Recent updates from the Village of Gurnee indicate ongoing concern and public monitoring of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions by the Vantage facility. Although emissions remain below state-permitted thresholds, levels fluctuate by year and community interest in air quality, environmental safety, and health impacts of EtO remains high, especially as Gurnee and neighboring Waukegan house diverse populations including vulnerable groups (children, seniors). Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and the environment make this an ideal opportunity. **Potential Partners:** - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) - Vantage Specialty Chemicals (for outreach and transparency) - Gurnee Environmental Sustainability Committee - Local school districts (Woodland 50, Gurnee 56, Warren Township 121) - Lake County Health Department - Local hospitals and clinics (Vista Health, Advocate Condell) - Environmental advocacy groups (e.g., Lake County Health Department, Sierra Club) **Next Steps:** - Convene a planning meeting with representatives from the above organizations. - Develop educational materials (multilingual flyers, videos, infographics) about EtO, local air quality, ways to reduce exposure, and health advocacy. - Host a series of community forums or town halls (including at Warren Newport Public Library or Gurnee Park District venues). - Establish an "Ask the Expert" panel event, inviting environment and health experts. - Fundraise for air quality monitors to be placed in schools and public areas, with real-time data available to residents. - Work with schools to integrate environmental health into their science curricula and encourage student-led projects. - Launch a public health campaign on social media and local media outlets, including partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce for broader outreach. --- **2. Youth Environmental Leadership & STEM Initiative: Clean Air, Healthy Communities** **Context:** The focus on air quality, environmental data, and community advocacy provides an opening for youth engagement and STEM education in Lake County. Several local schools and the College of Lake County have strong science programs, but opportunities for real-world impact and leadership around current issues like EtO emissions would build both skills and community capacity. This aligns with Rotary’s areas of focus: education, youth development, and environment. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Youth Leadership Initiative - College of Lake County STEM faculty - Local school science clubs (District 56, Woodland 50, WTHS 121) - Warren-Newport Public Library (for program space and resources) - Lake County Forest Preserves (for environmental context) - Gurnee Park District (youth program coordination) **Next Steps:** - Partner with local schools to design a youth-led “Air Quality Explorers” program: students learn about air pollution, collect local air quality data, and present findings to local leaders. - Hold a kick-off event at the Gurnee Park District or Warren-Newport Public Library, featuring a guest speaker from the IEPA or an environmental scientist. - Launch a Rotary-funded mini-grant program for student teams to develop community action projects (tree planting, public art on clean air, citizen science data collection). - Host an annual “Green Innovation Showcase,” inviting student teams to present their solutions and receive recognition and small scholarships. - Leverage existing Rotary contacts with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to mentor students and provide potential internships or shadowing experiences related to environmental sciences. - Document outcomes and successes with social media campaigns and reports to share with the broader community, building momentum for sustained youth engagement in environmental stewardship.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health and Safety Fair at Gurnee’s America 250 Celebration** **Context:** Gurnee’s America 250 Celebration on July 2, 2026, is a unique, large-scale local event bringing together families, schools (District 56, 50, 121), the Park District, Warren-Newport Public Library, local government, and other civic organizations. Rotary Clubs can capitalize on the community turnout to provide important health and safety education and services in a festive, accessible setting. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District (event co-host) - Warren Township High School, Woodland School District 50, Gurnee District 56 (school nurses and educators) - Warren Township Center (social services outreach) - Warren-Waukegan Fire Protection District (EMS demos, hands-on CPR) - Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Lake Behavioral Hospital) - Lake County Health Department - Gurnee Police Department (child ID, bike safety) **Next Steps:** - Rotary approaches the planning committee (via Village of Gurnee or Park District) to propose a “Community Health and Safety Zone” at the event, offering free blood pressure screenings, health education, vision checks, and child ID kits. - Secure local healthcare volunteers to staff booths and arrange for safety demos (e.g., CPR, bike helmet fittings). - Develop and print multilingual educational materials about preventive health, opioid safety, and local resources. - Use the event to collect voluntary donations for a local health initiative (such as a mobile dental clinic for uninsured children). --- **2. Youth Environmental Stewardship Challenge** **Context:** Given the involvement of schools, the Park District, library, and partners with environmental interests (e.g., North Shore Water Reclamation District, CLCJAWA), there is strong potential to harness youth and family engagement for a visible, impactful environmental initiative. Rotary’s focus on the environment and youth aligns perfectly with organizing an “America 250 Environmental Challenge,” such as a large-scale park cleanup, native planting, recycling education, or upcycling art contest leading up to the celebration and culminating with recognition at the July 2 event. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District and Park District’s Environmental Sustainability Committee - Local schools (Green Clubs at WTHS, Woodland, District 56) - Warren-Newport Public Library (eco-education programming) - North Shore Water Reclamation District, CLCJAWA (watershed health, water conservation demos) - Lake County Forest Preserves (expert support, plant materials) - Gurnee Youth Leadership Initiative - Scout troops, church youth groups **Next Steps:** - Rotary convenes a planning meeting with the Park District, schools, and relevant partners to set the parameters for a spring/early summer 2026 “Stewardship Challenge” (litter abatement, community garden planting, storm drain stenciling). - Develop age-appropriate educational workshops and promote friendly competition among schools or neighborhoods, with winners recognized on stage at the America 250 event. - Arrange for Rotary-funded mini-grants for participating student clubs or youth-led projects. - Collaborate with the library and schools for educational displays and event-day activities (e.g., recycled art showcase, sustainability trivia). - Publicize the project widely to engage families and build Rotary’s legacy in youth leadership and environmental action in the community.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Certainly! Based on current needs and themes in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, I am providing two Rotary service/fundraising project recommendations that fit Rotary’s areas of focus: --- **1. “Healthy Households Drive” – Supporting Community Health in Waukegan and Lake County** **Context:** Recent years have seen rising food insecurity and health disparities in Lake County, particularly in Waukegan. Local news has highlighted continued strain on area food pantries and family services, with organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Lake County Health Department reporting increased demand for basic hygiene supplies, nutritious foods, and preventive health resources. The ongoing focus on prevention and wellness in vulnerable communities aligns with Rotary’s health initiatives. **Potential Partners:** - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Lake County Health Department - Waukegan Township - Local schools (feeder elementary and middle schools) **Next Steps:** - Meet with leadership at the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Lake County Health Department to assess most urgent needs (e.g., hygiene kits, healthy shelf-stable food, family health information). - Organize and publicize a “Healthy Households Drive” with Rotary volunteers and youth clubs (Interact/Rotaract) collecting and assembling kits. - Schedule community events for distribution, incorporating brief preventive health workshops or screenings with public health nurses. - Seek sponsorships or donations from area businesses (e.g., grocery stores, pharmacies) to maximize community impact. --- **2. “Green Classrooms Campaign” – Advancing Environmental Education in Gurnee and Lake County** **Context:** The Lake County Forest Preserves and local school districts in the Gurnee area have been expanding outdoor education, but lack of resources, training, or access can prevent some students from experiencing the benefits of hands-on environmental learning. Pressing issues like invasive species, local water quality concerns (including Lake Michigan and Des Plaines River), and climate resilience are in the news and offer teaching opportunities. Improving youth understanding of environmental stewardship is well aligned with Rotary’s focus on the environment and education. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Forest Preserves - Gurnee School District 56 and Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 - College of Lake County Environmental Team - Local garden clubs or environmental youth groups **Next Steps:** - Convene a planning meeting with representatives from area schools and Forest Preserves to identify desired programming support (e.g., STEM kits, native plant gardens, field trips, guest speakers). - Organize a Rotary-friendly fundraiser (such as a community walk or green fair) to provide funding for supplies and transportation for outdoor education experiences. - Develop a schedule of volunteer days where Rotarians help plant demonstration gardens, lead hands-on science activities, or mentor students in environmental projects. - Measure impact through feedback from participating students and teachers, with an eye toward growing the program annually. --- Both projects offer meaningful, collaborative opportunities to address current needs and Rotary’s strategic priorities in Lake County.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Certainly! Based on the news for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, with local context, potential partners, and actionable next steps: --- **1. Youth Empowerment & Community Dialogue Initiative (Supporting Peace and Conflict Resolution, Youth Development, and Basic Education)** **Context:** The recent viral incident at Lake Zurich High School involving student protest and a physical altercation highlights tensions within the local youth community regarding immigration and social justice topics. This points to a need for constructive dialogue, conflict resolution skills, and support for area youth navigating divisive issues. **Potential Partners:** - Local high schools (Lake Zurich, Waukegan, Warren Township) - Youth social service agencies (Youth & Family Counseling, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center) - Community mediators or trained facilitators - Municipal youth commissions - Area faith groups **Next Steps:** - Convene a planning meeting with school administrators and youth agencies to discuss youth concerns and establish support. - Apply for a Rotary District or Global Grant to fund workshops on conflict resolution, leadership, and community dialogue for students. - Organize a series of after-school or weekend workshops featuring experts in mediation and youth mental health. - Promote youth-led service projects that foster empathy, inclusion, and civic engagement. - Evaluate impact through feedback surveys and share positive stories with local media. --- **2. Lake County Affordable Housing and Health Access Fundraiser (Supporting Disease Prevention and Treatment, Economic Development, and Community Health)** **Context:** Recent roundtable discussion with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and local officials underscored ongoing challenges with housing affordability in Lake County. Many residents, particularly in Waukegan and surrounding communities, still struggle to access affordable health care and stable housing. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Housing Authority - Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local government and county commissioners - Area hospitals and clinics **Next Steps:** - Reach out to the Housing Authority and health foundations to explore specific unmet needs (e.g., rent support, health screenings, preventive care). - Collaborate on a “Rotary Affordable Living Fair” in Waukegan, Gurnee, or a centrally located public space. - Host on-site health screenings, housing resource education, and mini grant applications for emergency assistance. - Launch a fundraising drive (e.g., community dinner, online crowdfunding, benefit walk) to raise funds for emergency housing and medical needs. - Provide volunteer support or matching grants for families facing eviction or medical crises. - Publicize outcomes and encourage Rotary member participation in advocacy for long-term affordable housing and health solutions. --- By pursuing these initiatives, Rotary can directly address timely community concerns while promoting its core values and areas of focus in Lake County.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Literacy & Academic Enrichment Initiative: “Words for Winners” Rotary Youth Literacy Program** **Context:** The recent success of 12-year-old Visharad Sathish from Lake Forest Country Day School, who won the 2025 Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and will be competing in the National Spelling Bee in D.C., spotlights academic achievement and the value of literacy in Lake County schools. The event drew participation from students across 73 schools, demonstrating strong community interest in literacy and youth education. The article mentions support from the Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE), and the critical role of educators like Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) in fostering academic excellence. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry) - Local schools (Lake Forest Country Day School, John Lewis Middle School, Matthews Middle School) - Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee) - Local educators and literacy organizations **Next Steps:** - Meet with the Lake County ROE and representatives from local schools to gauge current needs in literacy and resources for academic enrichment. - Design a Rotary-sponsored “Words for Winners” program supporting local spelling bees, after-school reading clubs, or mini-grants for classroom literacy resources. - Engage high-achieving students like Visharad and past participants as peer mentors or reading ambassadors, providing workshops or tutoring for younger students. - Pursue volunteer mobilization to run community literacy events and organize a fundraiser (such as a Community Spelling Bee Night) to fund literacy resources and scholarships. - Develop a recognition program to honor educators and student achievers at Rotary Club meetings or community events. **Rotary Areas of Focus:** Education & Literacy; Youth Development --- **2. Student Achievement Accessibility Fund: “Level the Field” Rotary Grant for Underserved Youth** **Context:** While the spotlight is on the winning student, the article underscores intense competition and preparation involved in regional bee participation—hundreds of local students, some from under-resourced backgrounds, eagerly compete. Yet, not all students may have access to resources (subscriptions, coaching, travel). The commitment required ("preparation, probably every single day") and the cost of competing at higher levels present barriers for some families. There is an opportunity to address equity and support broader participation in academic extra-curriculars for all youth—not just high-achievers. **Potential Partners:** - Participating Lake County schools, especially Title I schools in Waukegan and Gurnee - Local parent/teacher organizations (PTO/PTA) - Lake County Community Foundation - School social workers and counselors (to help identify students needing support) **Next Steps:** - Launch a needs assessment with school partners to identify financial or access barriers for participation in spelling bees, academic competitions, field trips, or enrichment camps. - Establish a “Level the Field” micro-grant program funded by Rotary, allowing teachers, counselors, or parents to nominate students for academic travel support, books, materials, or registration fees. - Organize a Rotary fundraising gala or family literacy festival featuring guest appearances by past spelling bee competitors, with proceeds dedicated to the grant fund. - Coordinate with educators (such as Ashley Whitaker) to ensure targeted outreach to undersupported students. - Document and share impact stories to encourage community investment in youth achievement. **Rotary Areas of Focus:** Education & Literacy; Supporting Children & Maternal Health (addressing disparities)

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Rotary Housing Security Initiative in Partnership with Lake County Housing Task Force** **Context:** The Lake County Board Chair recently announced a new affordable housing plan in response to a “growing housing affordability crisis” (“'Affordable, Attainable Housing Is Not Optional': Lake County Board Chair,” Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff). Housing insecurity affects many individuals and families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and the greater Lake County area. Lack of affordable, safe housing impacts educational opportunities, health outcomes, workforce stability, and youth development. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Housing Task Force - Local housing nonprofits (e.g., Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Lake County Community Foundation) - Local government (Lake County Board Housing Department) - Faith-based organizations involved in housing/food ministry - Local builders and realtors’ associations - High school Interact Clubs for youth engagement **Next Steps:** a) Reach out to the Lake County Housing Task Force to request a briefing on gaps or urgent needs (e.g., rental assistance, transitional housing supplies, move-in kits). b) Organize a Rotary-led community forum, inviting elected officials and key nonprofits, to identify practical service or fundraising projects—such as a “Welcome Home” basket drive for newly housed families or a fundraiser targeting shortfalls in rent support funds. c) Consider an annual Rotary fundraiser (gala or online auction) supporting local affordable housing grants. Include youth volunteers for outreach and awareness. d) Promote outcome stories to educate the wider community and inspire ongoing support. --- **2. Youth Summer Camp Scholarships and Outdoor Opportunity Expansion** **Context:** Exposure to enriching summer programs enhances resilience, leadership, mental health, and life skills for area youth. Pine Island Camp—a 501(c)(3) summer camp profiled in local news—provides such opportunities but has limited enrollment and may be out of reach for lower-income families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities. Many area youth lack access to affordable, supervised summer activities, contributing to learning loss and increased risk of negative outcomes. **Potential Partners:** - Pine Island Camp leadership (contact via provided website) - Local school districts (to identify high-potential, low-income youth) - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County - Local businesses (sponsorships or in-kind donations) - Park districts/YMCAs (for parallel opportunities if Pine Island fills up) - Local pediatricians, school counselors, youth-serving agencies **Next Steps:** a) Connect with Pine Island Camp to inquire about scholarship needs, costs per camper, and current accessibility for Lake County youth. b) Collaborate with school counselors and youth-serving nonprofits to identify candidates who would benefit most from camp experience. c) Launch a Rotary “Send a Kid to Camp” scholarship drive, leveraging club funds, business sponsorships, and public contributions (could be linked to one of the community’s popular events such as the Lake County Beer Fest or Grayslake’s Bargain Bonanza auction). d) Publicize the scholarship opportunity and camp outcomes through Rotary channels and local media, fostering a culture of outdoor adventure and youth empowerment. e) Explore extending the initiative to other local camps or year-round afterschool programs if demand exceeds Pine Island’s capacity. These two initiatives directly address Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting communities, developing youth, and advancing education and health while fostering partnerships and long-term impact in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Food Security & Health Initiative** **Area of Rotary Focus:** Community health, Economic development **Context:** The "Find Food. Share Support." event scheduled for March 25 at 100 US-45, Grayslake, highlights a continued community need for food assistance and support services in the Lake County area. Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities have a diverse population with ongoing challenges related to food insecurity, especially for lower-income and immigrant families. **Potential Partners:** - Northern Illinois Food Bank - University of Illinois Extension - Catholic Charities of Lake County - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake) - Local supermarkets and farmers’ markets (e.g., Lindenhurst Community Market) **Next Steps:** a. Reach out to the University of Illinois Extension and Northern Illinois Food Bank to explore opportunities to co-host quarterly mobile pantries or healthy food distribution events. b. Poll Rotary club members for volunteers and possible food donations. c. Integrate health screenings, nutrition education (perhaps featuring experts from Advocate Condell Medical Center), and information booths from partner organizations at each event. d. Promote the event through Grayslake Patch, local schools, and faith-based organizations to ensure maximum impact. e. Develop sponsorship packages to invite local businesses to support the program, potentially launching an annual Rotary fundraising dinner themed around community health. --- **2. Community & School Environmental Education Project** **Area of Rotary Focus:** Environment, Education, Youth **Context:** Multiple upcoming events—such as the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club’s "Gardening in Comfort" (Feb 24), the "School and Community Gardens Presentation" (March 16), and the ongoing focus on environmental art (e.g., "Through the Eyes of the Piping Plovers" art exhibit)—show strong local interest in sustainability, gardens, and youth education around environmental themes. Schools and parks in Lake County can benefit from hands-on education, while also providing green spaces and food for the community. **Potential Partners:** - Grayslake Greenery Garden Club - University of Illinois Extension - Local schools (e.g., Grayslake North High School) - Round Lake Area Park District - Liberty Prairie Foundation - Artists involved in the Piping Plovers exhibition **Next Steps:** a. Organize a Rotary-led "Adopt-a-School/Community Garden" campaign each spring, mobilizing Rotarians and community volunteers to build or enhance gardens at schools and parks across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. b. Collaborate with the Greenery Garden Club and UI Extension to offer student workshops on native plants, pollinators, and sustainability, inviting local artists to help make educational signage or murals (leveraging the Piping Plovers project as inspiration). c. Seek funding through a garden-themed Rotary fundraiser—potentially held in conjunction with a local event like the Lindenhurst Community Market or a dedicated plant sale. d. Partner with local schools for student environmental leadership roles, connecting youth directly to Rotary’s mission and growing future members. e. Publicize successes via local media and at events such as the 4-H Public Speaking Contest in March, inviting young leaders to share their gardening and environmental impact stories.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Certainly! Drawing on recent news and community highlights from Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project ideas that directly respond to local needs and align with Rotary’s areas of focus: --- **1. Project: Community Clean Water & Refill Initiative** **Context:** The City of Lake Forest is replacing traditional park water fountains with bottle-filling stations across six local parks, demonstrating local government commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. This shift not only encourages the reduction of plastic waste but also supports better hydration habits, particularly important as outdoor spaces become more central to community well-being. **Potential Partners:** - City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department - Local environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Green) - Schools and youth organizations (e.g., Scouts) - Bottle manufacturers/distributors for reusable bottles **Next Steps:** 1. **Outreach:** Contact the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department to discuss ways the Rotary Club could help amplify the bottle-filling station rollout. 2. **Fundraising:** Organize a fundraising drive—perhaps selling branded reusable water bottles at local events, with proceeds dedicated to the installation of additional bottle-filling stations in underserved parks or schoolyards in Waukegan, Gurnee, and elsewhere in Lake County. 3. **Education:** Develop and distribute educational materials about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and the health benefits of hydration. Host a kickoff event at a park with new stations, involving youth groups for visibility and engagement. 4. **Sustainability Check:** Measure success by tracking community use and plastic reduction after implementation and share results to encourage similar initiatives in nearby areas. --- **2. Project: Youth Mental Health & Wellness Partnerships** **Context:** The recent awarding of 17 community grants by the Vernon Township Mental Health Board—and the expansion of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital—point to ongoing needs and investments in mental health and medical resources. With many local youth accessing services via schools and non-profits, there is a clear opportunity to bolster youth mental health support, especially considering the rising demand for such services since the pandemic. **Potential Partners:** - Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital (community outreach/mental health department) - Woodlands Academy and other area schools (public and private) - Local youth centers and mental health organizations **Next Steps:** 1. **Stakeholder Meeting:** Convene a roundtable with new hospital leadership, school counselors, and mental health non-profits to identify gaps in youth services and feasible areas for Rotary support. 2. **Awareness Campaign:** Develop a public awareness and stigma-reduction campaign targeting youth mental health, including resource fairs, guest speakers, or workshops hosted in collaboration with schools and hospitals. 3. **Service Project:** Seek funding or organize a service day to assemble “wellness kits” for district schools—these can include resource cards, coping tools, and information about local mental health services. 4. **Grant Support:** Research and support grant applications for pilot peer-led mental health initiatives at area high schools, helping youth leaders amplify their impact. By choosing projects rooted in the most current local needs—environmental sustainability and youth wellness—the Rotary Club can have a significant, visible, and immediate impact in Lake County communities.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, the following two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities align with community needs and Rotary's areas of focus: --- **1. Affordable Housing Support Initiative** *Rotary Area of Focus: Community Economic Development* **Context:** Lake County leaders, as reported, have unveiled a new housing plan to address a growing affordability crisis. The Lake County Board Chair emphasized, “Affordable, attainable housing is not optional.” As more families struggle to secure stable, cost-effective housing, there is a pressing need for both direct aid and long-term solutions. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Housing Authority - Local nonprofits such as Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) - Habitat for Humanity Lake County - Municipal governments of Gurnee, Waukegan, and other localities - Local businesses that can provide matching funds or in-kind donations **Next Steps:** a. Convene a Rotary-hosted forum with the Lake County Housing Authority and CPAH to identify targeted needs (e.g., rent assistance, emergency shelter supplies, job readiness workshops for affected families). b. Launch a service or fundraising campaign (such as a “Build a Home Day” or local benefit event) to directly support local affordable housing projects or provide essential home goods for new residents. c. Initiate a volunteer day—coordinate Rotary members to assist in home builds, renovations, or financial literacy seminars for first-time homeowners. d. Publicize the initiative through local media and partner channels to attract donations and additional volunteers. --- **2. ZCenter Teddy Bear & Comfort Supplies Drive Expansion** *Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health; Support for Vulnerable Populations; Youth* **Context:** The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) has launched its annual Teddy Bear Drive aiming to collect 1,000 new teddy bears during February to comfort children and adults in crisis, especially those seen in local emergency rooms. Given the ongoing trauma affecting local families, especially children, after incidents such as recent shootings and other crises, expanding this campaign can provide crucial comfort and immediate support. **Potential Partners:** - Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) - Advocate Condell Medical Center and other area hospitals - Local schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs) - Retailers (for drop-off sites and donations: Target, Walmart, local toy stores) - Media partners (Patch, local radio) **Next Steps:** a. Collaborate with ZCenter to extend the drive's visibility and donation sites through Rotary’s network, aiming beyond teddy bears to include comfort kits (blankets, coloring books, hygiene packs). b. Organize Rotary-led collection events at club meetings, local businesses, and community events, leveraging social media and school partnerships to maximize participation. c. Set a fundraising goal to buy additional comfort items and support ZCenter’s survivor assistance programs, connecting donation results to Rotary’s impact in the community. d. Deliver collected items to hospitals and ZCenter, setting up opportunities for Rotarians to learn more about local support needs for survivors and develop longer-term partnerships.