Rotary Radar - 20260224

🤖 AI Suggestion:

### Project Idea 1: Community Health & Environmental Education Forum — “Clean Air, Safe Communities: Ethylene Oxide and You” **Context:** Ongoing community concern over ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from Vantage Specialty Chemicals continues in Gurnee and Waukegan, despite improved reporting and compliance with IEPA regulations. Residents remain interested in long-term health effects, environmental safety, and preventive measures, especially after periodic fluctuations in fugitive emissions from year to year. There is a need for transparent communication, education, and empowerment surrounding air quality, environmental justice, and individual actions to reduce risks. **Potential Partners:** - IEPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) - Vantage Specialty Chemicals (for open dialogue) - Gurnee Environmental Sustainability Committee - Local school science/STEM clubs (Warren Township High School, Woodland District 50, College of Lake County) - Lake County Health Department - Local healthcare providers (e.g., Advocate Condell, Lake Behavioral Hospital) - Community advocacy groups (e.g., Stop EtO in Lake County) **Next Steps:** 1. **Reach out to the IEPA and Gurnee Environmental Sustainability Committee** to propose a collaborative public forum, inviting experts to address concerns about EtO, health risks, and monitoring efforts. 2. **Partner with local schools and colleges** to include youth-led science demonstrations and citizen science initiatives. 3. **Recruit medical professionals** who can explain health impacts, early detection, and available screenings. 4. **Include an action fair** with booths on home air quality testing, environmental grant programs, and opportunities for residents to get involved in monitoring or advocacy. 5. **Develop unified communications** with Vantage for Q&A, policy updates, and improvements. 6. **Promote the event** via local media, schools, and Rotary’s network, with a goal of building community trust and knowledge. --- ### Project Idea 2: Fundraising for School Air Filtration & Health Screening Initiative **Context:** Given Gurnee and Waukegan’s proximity to industrial EtO emissions and ongoing resident anxiety, there is a critical need for tangible reassurance and protection, particularly for youth who may be more vulnerable to air pollutants. Schools such as Woodland District 50, Gurnee School District 56, and Warren Township High School are central gathering places and can serve as both protective hubs and education leaders. **Potential Partners:** - District 56, Woodland District 50, Warren Township High School - Local PTAs/PTOs - College of Lake County (potential for rolling out pilot programs or health screening days) - Local HVAC and air filtration businesses - Lake County Health Department - Walgreens, CVS, or other local pharmacies (possible donations/support for health screenings) - Community foundations or health advocacy nonprofits **Next Steps:** 1. **Meet with administrators and PTAs** in the three main districts to present the idea and get buy-in, determining the most urgent needs for air purification or regular student health screening (lung function, asthma, etc.). 2. **Solicit matching donations** from local businesses for classroom air purifiers, advanced filters for common spaces, or support for health screening clinics. 3. **Design a Rotary fundraising campaign**, possibly including a “Run for Clean Air” 5K, silent auction, or partnership with local restaurants. 4. **Invite student involvement**: Engage students in the campaign via poster contests, walkathons, or developing educational materials for their peers and families. 5. **Establish a long-term sustainability plan** by working with local HVAC companies for ongoing maintenance and by encouraging Districts to include air quality in future capital improvement plans. 6. **Document health and academic impacts** in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, to measure and share results with the broader community. --- These opportunities proactively address air quality risks and health anxieties while amplifying Rotary’s focus on environmental sustainability, community safety, and youth welfare.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on recent community events and needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus: --- ### 1. **America 250 Youth Leadership & Literacy Pavilion** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Education, Youth **Context:** Gurnee’s America 250 Celebration (July 2, 2026) offers a unique opportunity to engage thousands of families, students, and community groups in a collaborative, positive environment. With multiple partner organizations already involved (Warren-Newport Public Library, Gurnee and Woodland school districts, local high schools), there’s clear momentum and infrastructure for an impactful educational effort. The event’s patriotic theme also provides a fitting backdrop to celebrate local history, civic engagement, and personal development for youth. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District (venue, logistics) - Warren-Newport Public Library (literacy programming, reading challenges) - Gurnee District 56, Woodland District 50, Warren Township High School 121 (student volunteers, essay contests, STEM/STEAM activities) - Local Scouts or youth leadership groups - Lake County educational nonprofits **Next Steps:** - **Contact the America 250 Planning Committee** (via the Village of Gurnee or Park District) to propose a Rotary-sponsored “Leadership & Literacy Pavilion.” - **Recruit Rotarian and student volunteers** to staff interactive booths (e.g., “Read with a Rotarian,” mini-civic trivia, Founding Fathers/Famous Illinoisans essay contest awarding gift cards or books). - **Coordinate with local schools** to launch a pre-event “Patriotism & Service” writing or art contest, winners featured at the Pavilion. - **Partner with the Library** to give away books focused on American history and leadership. - Seek event sponsorship from local businesses; funds raised during the day (raffles, auctions, donations) can support scholarships or literacy initiatives in Lake County. --- ### 2. **Lake County Environmental Action Day** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Environment, Community Health **Context:** Lake County and Gurnee host a variety of environmental and recycling initiatives (e.g., Household Chemical Waste Collections, electronics recycling, food scrap programs). With growing concern about sustainability and a patchwork of programs, residents would benefit from a well-publicized, comprehensive “action day” combining education, hands-on cleanup, and direct recycling options. This would leverage Rotary’s strong volunteer base and local environmental partners, while increasing public awareness of environmental and health-related issues (including safe disposal of chemicals and electronics). **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District and Village (site support, promotion) - Lake County Government & Public Works - North Shore Water Reclamation District - Environmental Sustainability Committee - Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Solid Waste Agency of Lake County - SWALCO) - Scouts, student volunteer groups, local businesses **Next Steps:** - **Reach out to Village Environmental Sustainability Committee** and SWALCO to co-plan an Environmental Action Day at a central Gurnee location (e.g., Viking Park). - **Offer Rotary volunteer support** for collection stations (electronics, textiles, household chemicals, sharps, books), park/trail cleanups, and environmental education booths. - **Publicize through schools/newsletters** to encourage family and youth participation; include an educational scavenger hunt for kids on recycling and local habitats. - **Organize a fundraising “Green Raffle” or plant sale** with proceeds benefitting Rotary-supported community gardens or pollinator projects in Lake County. - **Evaluate event impact** (items diverted from landfill, participants educated, new pledges for environmental stewardship) to inform future annual events. --- These initiatives directly address Rotary’s core focus areas and will foster visible, lasting community impact through partnership and service.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Based on your request and the provided news headlines, there are no direct, explicit community needs or crisis events detailed in the February 24, 2026 local stories summary for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL. However, considering typical community needs, Rotary’s areas of focus, and hints from the available content (e.g., interest in diverse food, nutrition, and the arrival of global chains), I recommend the following two Rotary initiatives: --- **1. “Healthy Food Futures” Program — Community Nutrition Workshops and Cooking Classes** **Context:** With the expansion of affordable fast-food chains like Mixue into Lake County, there may be growing concerns about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and access to wholesome foods, especially for youth and lower-income families. The local news also has features on creative cooking and international cuisines, suggesting both a community interest in food and an opportunity to support healthier choices. **Potential Partners:** - Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Lake County Health Department - Park districts (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District) - Local chefs/culinary programs (e.g., College of Lake County’s hospitality program) **Next Steps:** a. Convene a meeting with interested partners to assess community needs and resources for nutrition education. b. Design a series of bilingual (e.g., English/Spanish) healthy cooking classes, focusing on quick, affordable meals for families using local produce. c. Coordinate with local food banks and parks to host free or low-cost workshops, potentially including a mobile “pop-up kitchen.” d. Seek Rotary grants and in-kind donations (groceries, kitchenware) from local businesses. e. Launch the program with pilot classes and measure impact via participant surveys. --- **2. Youth Civic Engagement — “Democracy in Action” Event Series** **Context:** With political endorsements and local elections highlighted in the news, and a national atmosphere focused on civic responsibility, engaging young people in the political process is timely and relevant. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on youth development and peacebuilding through understanding. **Potential Partners:** - Local high schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School) - Lake County Clerk’s Office (for elections) - Local libraries (e.g., Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library) - League of Women Voters of Lake County - Community youth groups (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs) **Next Steps:** a. Contact high school social studies teachers and administrators to co-develop a program introducing students to local government, election processes, and nonpartisan civic engagement. b. Invite local officials (including election board representatives and candidates from all parties) for moderated Q&A sessions. c. Organize student debates, mock elections, and essay contests on civics-related topics. d. Schedule events at schools, libraries, and/or community centers during election season. e. Promote the opportunity through Rotary’s network to recruit volunteers and sponsors. f. Evaluate student engagement and knowledge before and after the program. --- Both these projects directly address relevant community needs—nutrition/health and youth civic involvement—and offer maximum impact with available Rotary resources and partners.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Youth Mental Health & Violence Prevention Initiative** **Context:** Recent tragic events, such as the death of Markell Pierce in Lake County and echoes of similar past incidents, highlight ongoing youth violence and the urgent need for mental health support for children and families. With community trauma increasing, there is a pressing requirement for intervention, education, and support services, especially in Waukegan and Round Lake Beach. **Potential Partners:** - NAMI Lake County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center - Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee SD 56, Round Lake Area Schools) - Youth outreach nonprofits (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of Lake County) **Next Steps:** - Convene a roundtable with school counselors, local advocacy centers, and partner nonprofits to assess specific program gaps. - Develop and fund a series of youth mental health workshops, conflict resolution training, or "safe space" peer groups at local schools. - Consider co-sponsoring a community awareness event or parent-student forum on violence prevention, trauma, and available resources. - Apply for Rotary District grants to help underwrite qualified therapists or speakers. --- **2. Environmental and Economic Resilience: Community Tree Planting & Food Security Enhancement** **Context:** Lake County communities such as Waukegan and North Chicago continue to face environmental challenges and economic hardship. With winter’s economic slowdown affecting hospitality and service workers, and given the opportunity presented by AbbVie’s North Chicago expansion (creating 300 new jobs), there is both environmental and community development momentum. A “Community Resilience Day” could combine Rotary’s environmental focus (e.g., tree planting for urban greening) with food security support (free community meals, support for food pantries) to address immediate needs and promote long-term health. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Forest Preserves District - Local environmental groups (Go Green Lake County, SWALCO) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - AbbVie community outreach - Local restaurants (potential tie-in with Flavor Festival participants for meal donations or discounts) **Next Steps:** - Approach the Lake County Forest Preserves and environmental organizations to designate sites for tree planting and recruit volunteers. - Collaborate with AbbVie’s Corporate Social Responsibility office for sponsorship/funding and volunteer recruitment, leveraging their new commitment to the area. - Partner with local restaurants and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to organize a free community meal or food box distribution during the event, particularly for families affected by seasonal job losses. - Publicize the event widely through schools, faith communities, and neighborhood associations to maximize participation and impact. --- These two initiatives directly address current needs in the community and are well-aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting youth and education, building healthy communities, and protecting the environment.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Youth Literacy & Academic Excellence Initiative: “Lake County Reads & Succeeds”** **Context:** The recent spotlight on the Scripps National Spelling Bee contestant, Visharad Sathish, highlights Lake County’s engagement in academic competitions and the importance of literacy and vocabulary skills among youth. The spelling bee featured participation from 73 Lake County schools, evidencing strong student and family interest in academic enrichment. Additionally, educational achievement and literacy remain central concerns in many Lake County and Waukegan-area schools, with ongoing needs for enrichment, mentoring, and resources for students both excelling and struggling. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry) - John Lewis Middle School and Matthews Middle School - Local libraries (e.g., Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee) - Parent-Teacher Organizations - Local bookstores and businesses **Next Steps:** - Connect with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to offer Rotary funding or volunteer support for after-school literacy and vocabulary clubs, spelling bees, and reading mentorship programs. - Launch a “Words Matter” book drive, collecting new and gently used books for distribution in schools with fewer resources and establishing mini-libraries. - Organize a celebratory event or speaker series with local spelling champions (e.g., Visharad Sathish and brother Sahasrad) to inspire students—Rotary can help sponsor and host. - Develop a Rotary grant program for teachers to create or expand innovative reading and language-based projects. - Recruit Rotary members as volunteer spelling bee coaches and judges, further strengthening community ties and commitment to youth education. --- **2. Mental Wellness Campaign for Lake County Youth** **Context:** While not directly referenced in the news, prolonged academic competitions, such as the marathon spelling bee described, underscore the pressures young people face in today’s high-achievement environments. Many students in Lake County, especially in communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, experience stress, anxiety, and burnout related to academic and extracurricular expectations. There’s a growing local and national emphasis on student mental health, making this a timely and high-impact Rotary focus. **Potential Partners:** - Local school districts and mental health coordinators - NorthShore University HealthSystem or Lake Behavioral Hospital - Local youth counseling centers or nonprofit organizations (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling in Libertyville) - PTA/PTO groups - Spelling Bee leadership: Ashley Whitaker (Instructional Specialist), relevant school counselors **Next Steps:** - Convene a roundtable with school leaders, counselors, and spelling bee organizers to assess current mental health support and outreach to youth under academic stress. - Develop Rotary-sponsored workshops on stress management, resilience, and healthy competition for middle and high school students, possibly in conjunction with future spelling bee and academic events. - Provide grants or fundraising support for mental health programs in schools, including materials, staff training, and peer support clubs. - Launch a youth-led awareness campaign (possibly featuring spelling bee participants) to destigmatize mental health discussions and highlight resources available within Lake County schools and communities. - Celebrate youth achievements not just for competition outcomes, but for perseverance and personal growth—showcasing Rotary’s commitment to holistic youth well-being. These initiatives address Rotary’s areas of focus on basic education and literacy and disease prevention (mental health) while building on recent local events and urgent community needs.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health & Safety: Youth Outreach and Diversion Program** **Context:** A recent incident involved three juveniles arrested following a police chase in Lake County after crashing a stolen vehicle. This highlights concerns about youth engagement, delinquency, and the need for positive diversion programs for teens in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County. **Potential Partners:** - Local law enforcement agencies (e.g., Lake County Sheriff's Office) - Area schools and school districts (Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60) - Youth social service providers such as the Lake County Youth Services Bureau - Community centers and afterschool programs (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of Lake County) - Mental health providers, and organizations focused on restorative justice **Next Steps:** - Convene a meeting with school administrators, local police, and youth service agencies to discuss trends and current intervention efforts. - Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in after-school programs, mentoring, and diversion opportunities. - Organize a Rotary-sponsored youth forum or workshop focused on conflict resolution, career exploration, and mental health support. - Pursue grants or fundraising (e.g., community 5K, benefit dinner) to support the creation or expansion of mentorship and restorative justice programs. --- **2. Environment & Sustainability: Grayslake Greenery Community Garden Initiative** **Context:** Local interest in environmental sustainability and community gardening is evident, as seen with the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club’s recent programming (“Gardening in Comfort”) and increased community engagement at gardening events. Additionally, with IKEA opening a new Gurnee Mills location, there is heightened attention on sustainable development and green space preservation as the area grows. **Potential Partners:** - Grayslake Greenery Garden Club - Local schools (to incorporate environmental education) - Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District - IKEA’s sustainability and community relations teams - Lake County Forest Preserves - Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Conserve Lake County) **Next Steps:** - Collaborate with the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club and area schools to develop a Rotary-sponsored community gardening project or environmental education series. - Reach out to IKEA’s new Gurnee Mills store to discuss a potential sponsorship or partnership on sustainability or habitat restoration projects, as part of their community engagement and environmental goals. - Apply for environmental grants or organize a fundraising event such as a plant sale, eco-fair, or green market, to support garden installations, tree planting, or pollinator habitats. - Recruit youth volunteers and include educational workshops to foster environmental stewardship among local students. These projects respond directly to current community needs and align well with Rotary’s areas of focus: supporting youth, enhancing public health and safety, and promoting environmental sustainability.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**Project Idea 1: Community Health & Food Security Initiative** *Context:* The “Find Food. Share Support.” event at the University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake, scheduled for March 25, highlights ongoing food insecurity issues in Lake County and surrounding communities. Rotary’s area of focus on disease prevention and treatment, and supporting community health, aligns with supporting nutrition and combatting hunger. Demand for food pantries and support continues to rise in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. *Potential Partners:* - University of Illinois Extension (100 US-45, Grayslake) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local churches and community organizations participating in food assistance - Lake County Health Department *Next Steps:* 1. Contact the University of Illinois Extension to discuss collaboration on their March 25 event and explore ongoing needs for food distribution or nutrition education. 2. Organize a Rotary-led food drive, possibly in conjunction with the “Find Food. Share Support.” event, or arrange support logistics such as volunteer shifts and transportation. 3. Develop and distribute educational materials or host seminars on nutrition, healthy eating, and resources available in Lake County. 4. Coordinate with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local food pantries to see where Rotary funding, volunteers, or marketing assistance could have the greatest impact. 5. Assess long-term partnership possibilities for periodic food security programs or mobile pantry events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County. --- **Project Idea 2: Youth Environmental Education & School/Community Gardens** *Context:* On March 16, the University of Illinois Extension is hosting a “School and Community Gardens” presentation in Grayslake. Expanding school and community gardening aligns with Rotary’s environment and education focus and can provide hands-on STEM opportunities for youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County. With the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club also leading “Gardening in Comfort,” a network of established garden leaders can offer guidance, while spring presents an ideal time for launching garden-centered outreach or fundraising initiatives. *Potential Partners:* - University of Illinois Extension (Grayslake) - Grayslake Greenery Garden Club - Local public schools (Gurnee D56, Waukegan PS 60, Grayslake D46/D127) - 4-H and related youth organizations - Local park districts (e.g., Round Lake Area Park District) *Next Steps:* 1. Attend the March 16 school and community gardens presentation to connect with experts and interested parties. 2. Survey schools and neighborhoods in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County to assess interest in launching or expanding gardens. 3. Apply for or sponsor micro-grants for seeds, soil, raised beds, or gardening tools for schools or childhood centers. 4. Organize volunteer workdays to break ground or improve spaces—with Rotary members leading, publicizing, and facilitating youth participation. 5. Offer sustainable gardening workshops, possibly enlisting Garden Club members as instructors, and feature produce from these gardens at local markets or community fairs, building visibility and further fundraising opportunities.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

1. **Community Health and Youth Wellness: Partnership with Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital** **Context:** Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has just completed a major expansion, doubling its capacity, with 96 new medical-surgical beds and a new emergency department. The expanded facilities present a timely opportunity to address increased needs for health education, outreach, and youth wellness in Lake County, especially considering the growing presence of the hospital as a critical regional health resource. **Potential Partners:** - Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital (contact: hospital community outreach or volunteer services department) - Local schools (Lake Forest High School, Woodlands Academy) - The Episcopal Preschool and other early childhood programs - Vernon Township Mental Health Board (for integration of physical and mental health outreach) **Next Steps:** - Reach out to Northwestern Medicine’s community outreach team to discuss co-hosting health education days, wellness fairs, or ongoing youth-focused wellness workshops at schools and community centers. - Work with local schools and preschools to schedule on-site health screenings (vision, hearing, dental), basic first aid training, and mental health awareness sessions. - Seek grant funding (possibly via the Vernon Township Mental Health Board) to provide free health resources, print educational materials, or bring in guest speakers on wellness topics. - Organize Rotary volunteer teams to assist with event logistics and outreach, connecting families with available services and support. 2. **Environmental Sustainability: Park Water Refill Stations & Education Initiative** **Context:** Lake Forest’s recent decision to replace water fountains in six local parks with bottle-filling stations highlights the community’s interest in reducing plastic waste and promoting the use of reusable bottles—an opportunity to educate the public, especially youth, about environmental sustainability and responsible plastic use. **Potential Partners:** - City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department - Local schools and youth organizations (e.g., scouts, YMCA) - Environmental groups such as Go Green Lake County - Waukegan Tire and other local businesses (potential sponsors for reusable bottle giveaways) **Next Steps:** - Contact the Parks Department to offer Rotary assistance in publicizing the new bottle-filling stations and co-organizing a community launch event or park clean-up. - Develop an educational campaign (school presentations, flyers, social media) about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and the benefits of reusable bottles. - Organize a fundraising drive to provide branded reusable bottles to students, athletes, and park-goers, potentially with sponsorship from local businesses. - Mobilize Rotary volunteers to support park beautification projects, clean-up events, and ongoing environmental education efforts in partnership with local youth organizations. These two initiatives align with Rotary’s focus areas of health and environment and leverage current developments and interests in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County areas, with clear opportunities for partnership and meaningful community impact.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Rotary Housing Assistance and Resource Fair** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Community Economic Development (Affordable Housing) **Context:** Lake County is facing a growing housing affordability crisis, as highlighted by Lake County Board Chair and the recent unveiling of a new housing plan. With housing affordability decreasing, many residents—especially families, seniors, and veterans—are at risk of housing insecurity or need help connecting with available resources. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County government (especially housing and community development offices) - Local non-profits focusing on housing (e.g., Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Lake County Housing Authority) - Local businesses and faith communities - Rotary Clubs of Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, and surrounding towns **Next Steps:** - Convene a planning committee with Rotary club members and representatives from the county housing department and non-profits - Secure a venue (e.g., local community center, library, or school) - Recruit resource partners (landlords, credit counselors, social service agencies, job trainers, legal aid) - Publicize the fair through social media, flyers, and local press - Offer onsite workshops (e.g., tenant rights, pathways to home ownership, financial literacy) and one-on-one consultations - Rotary members volunteer as event hosts, translators, and greeters - Consider a fundraising component (e.g., silent auction) to provide emergency rental assistance or support local shelter programs **2. "Comfort for Kids" Teddy Bear Drive & Emergency Room Education** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Child Health, Community Health **Context:** The ZCenter’s annual Teddy Bear Drive aims to collect 1,000 new stuffed animals for children and adults in crisis using Lake County emergency rooms. With ongoing trauma—such as officer-involved shootings in Waukegan and recent deaths at Naval Station Great Lakes—emotional support for children and families in crisis is vital. There is an opportunity to expand the drive with health education outreach. **Potential Partners:** - Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) - Advocate Condell Medical Center and other Lake County hospitals - Local schools and youth groups (NHS, Interact Clubs, Scouts) - Major employers and civic groups for collection drives **Next Steps:** - Liaise with ZCenter and Advocate Condell to coordinate logistics and identify additional needs (e.g., hygiene kits, comfort items) - Organize teddy bear (and comfort item) collection sites at schools, businesses, and community events - Enlist youth volunteers to assemble and deliver care packages - Develop kid-friendly information handouts (coping with crisis, hospital visits, how to get help) - Host a community “stuff-a-bear” volunteer day, inviting families and youth - Rotary members help with collection, assembly, delivery, and promoting the drive - Consider fundraising to purchase items or fund ZCenter’s ongoing programming for survivors and families Both projects directly address current, urgent needs in Lake County while strengthening Rotary’s support for the health and well-being of youth, families, and vulnerable residents.