Retired East Bay woman shares kindness through "the power of flowers"
An 83-year-old woman's idea to share kindness is in full bloom in the East Bay.
Oakland woman teaches people to share stories through sewing
An Oakland woman teaches people how to stitch together their own stories of activism and belonging.
Former Mill Valley executive's rabbit rescue saves thousands of abandoned bunnies
The approaching Easter holiday often means an increase in the purchase and gifting of live rabbits, and a resulting spike in abandonments. A North Bay woman has been tackling that problem for nearly three decades.
East Bay woman's nonprofit uses pickleball to help battle Parkinson's disease
An East Bay woman is using the sport of pickleball to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease.
San Jose woman's "emergency room" aims to keep people out of homelessness
To cut down on homelessness in the South Bay, a woman has created what she calls an "emergency room" for people facing eviction.
Peninsula man's nonprofit creates community for adults with special needs near Half Moon Bay
A father's years-long effort to create a community and safe space for adults with special needs is nearing the finish line.
Bay Area nonprofit helping students succeed in higher education looks to expand statewide
The nonprofit, which recieved a $42 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, began as the Marin Education Fund in 1981.
Volunteers lead efforts to restore habitats at Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park
A pair of volunteers has spearheaded the effort to restore a part of Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park - a city-owned gem in serious need of some love.
Oakland woman distributes meals to homeless residents every week, alongside volunteers
Volunteers give away meals donated by a local bakery, Love Bite Bakers, plus blankets, hand warmers, hygiene kits and provisions for pets. Her team goes to encampments in a dozen different locations.
Bay Area stroke survivor, husband form nonprofit to help other stroke victims rebuild their lives
A Peninsula husband and wife are playing a critical part in helping people rebuild their lives following strokes.
East Bay woman efforts provides new, filled suitcases for foster children on the move
An East Bay woman has found a way to offer dignity and comfort for some 600 foster children in Contra Costa County.
2025 Icon Award winners year in review
In 2025, we honored 49 people in our first year of the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Lifelong Oakland friends "Knucklehead Santa, Chaz the Elf" give back to community for holidays
Two Oakland natives began spreading holiday cheer after a whimsical decision 17 years ago drove them to give back to their childhood community.
San Francisco woman's nonprofit feeds unhoused with dignity, gourmet touch
Make a sandwich. Make a difference. It's what a San Francisco woman does all year long to feed the unsheltered in San Francisco neighborhoods.
Bay Area residents lead Camp Kesem to support kids whose parents have cancer
Five million children are impacted by a parent's cancer diagnosis, according to the CDC, and two Bay Area leaders are harnessing the power of community to bring them hope and healing.