Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
5313 results for "san diego volunteers"
When a toxic chemical tank threatened to explode in Orange County, forcing nearly 50,000 people from their homes, San Diego volunteers didn't hesitate to step up and help displaced families find safety and comfort. --- ##
San Diego County needs 400 more volunteers for its annual homeless count on January 29, which helps secure funding and shape solutions. Last year's count showed promising decreases across most North County cities.
Community groups across San Diego County are organizing beach cleanups the morning after Independence Day, turning post-holiday trash into an opportunity for neighbors to protect their coastline together. Multiple events offer volunteers everything from sunrise cleanup sessions to celebrations with fish tacos and margaritas.
When a toxic chemical tank threatened to explode in Orange County, San Diego volunteers raced north to help nearly 50,000 evacuated neighbors find shelter and safety. Community groups opened their doors as the American Red Cross mobilized 100 responders across the region.
San Diego County is training everyday volunteers to become disaster heroes through a free emergency response course starting in August. The team has already deployed to 17 disasters, including the devastating Camp Fire.
April is Global Volunteer Month, and San Luis Obispo is going all out with hands-on opportunities from invasive plant removal to graffiti cleanup. Whether you've been volunteering for years or want to try it for the first time, the city has made it easier than ever to pitch in. ---
Over 8,000 volunteers in San Diego cleaned nearly 20,000 pounds of trash from beaches and waterways in 2025, proving that community action can protect our oceans. The effort marks another successful year in a cleanup program that has removed over 189,000 pounds of debris since 2007.
A California city is making it easier than ever for residents to give back this spring with a new online portal connecting volunteers to dozens of opportunities. From painting murals to restoring natural spaces, San Luis Obispo is proving that community spirit is alive and thriving.
After caring for loved ones with dementia, four volunteers in San Diego now lead support groups that offer judgment-free spaces for struggling caregivers. Their firsthand experience helps others navigate one of life's toughest journeys.
Underwater gardens are making a comeback in San Diego's Mission Bay as restoration efforts bring back eelgrass meadows that capture carbon and rebuild marine habitats. This nature-based climate solution is giving ocean life a fighting chance while helping coastal communities battle rising seas.
Nearly 800 volunteers transformed a San Francisco hillside into a massive symbol of hope and resistance this Pride Month. The 31st annual Pink Triangle installation reminds the city that love and community always push back against hate.
Indigenous knowledge and Western science are joining forces in San Diego to tackle climate change, thanks to a grassroots nonprofit training the next generation of Indigenous scientists. Coastal Defenders just received $250,000 in grants to expand their work connecting Indigenous youth with ocean research opportunities.
Six San Diego firefighters are heading to Spain to compete against 28 international teams in a high-stakes rope rescue competition. They're paying their own way to sharpen skills that could save lives back home.
San Diego County is bringing 67 electric vehicle charging stations to nine libraries and recreation centers in neighborhoods that need them most. The $16.5 million project requires zero city taxpayer dollars.
Young artists from San Diego's public schools took center stage at a charity event celebrating creativity and the donors who make arts education possible. The VAPA Foundation's sixth annual gala showcased student talent while honoring two champions of youth arts programs.
Twenty-four shipping companies voluntarily slowed their vessels near San Diego Bay, slashing greenhouse gases by 6,500 metric tons while improving air quality for coastal communities. The program hit 94% compliance and positions the city as a leader in sustainable maritime tourism.
Goodwill stores across San Diego are now accepting soft plastics that typically end up in landfills because curbside recycling won't take them. The initiative turns everyday plastic bags and packaging into outdoor furniture.
A San Diego biotech company has started its first clinical trial of a groundbreaking treatment that tricks cancer cells into destroying themselves. The molecular glue technology has already attracted nearly $5 billion in deals from major pharmaceutical companies.
A San Diego high school robotics team just beat 600 competitors from 100 countries to win the world championship. The Holy Cows from High Tech High brought home the title after years of inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.
When four thrill-seekers got trapped by massive waves at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego lifeguards launched a dramatic rescue that brought everyone home safely. Despite dangerous 10-foot swells and high surf advisories, the skilled team pulled off a flawless operation.
Showing 20 of 5313