Stories of Impact

Real People. Real Change. Real Inspiration.

Every spark starts with a story.

At Activate Good, we believe the best way to inspire more changemakers is to spotlight the ones already making a difference.

From first-time volunteers to seasoned community leaders, the stories shared by our supporters, partners, and friends show the many ways people have stepped up to do good—and the powerful ripple effects they’ve created across the Triangle.

See What’s Possible

For over a decade, Activate Good has helped connect people with purpose. Along the way, we’ve witnessed thousands of moments of impact—big and small—that show what happens when someone chooses to act.

Take a look at how people just like you have activated good in their own way:

Kids Helping Kids —Summer of Service

Youth-led DIY projects and donation drives proved that age doesn’t limit impact.

Urban Heat Mapping

Volunteers gathered data to inform environmental justice and policy decisions.

Virtual Story Time Readers

Community members brought joy and literacy to kids during the pandemic.

Operation Hand Up & Operation Access

Collaborations that ensured internet and benefit access for vulnerable.

Signs for Good

A simple sign campaign that spread kindness and reminded folks of the power of small acts.

Explore More Stories in Our Blog

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is our local call to action as part of Points of Light’s larger nationwide campaign. Since 1974, this annual celebration has recognized the power of volunteers to create meaningful change through service, events, and recognition.

Here in the Triangle, we invite individuals, groups, and companies of all sizes to step up and make a difference through a variety of impactful volunteer projects throughout the week! Every April, thousands of volunteers across the Triangle take action, connect with others, and become part of something bigger.

Earth Day: Be the Spark for a Better Planet

Earth Day: Be the Spark for a Better Planet

This Earth Day, Activate Good invites you to take action for a cleaner, greener Triangle. Whether you’re passionate about protecting local parks, reducing waste, or making a difference in your community, there are ways for you to get involved.

Become a Sponsor

Become a Sponsor

When you sponsor Activate Good, you power our service initiatives – projects that combat food insecurity and homelessness, bolster education, support kids and families, and mobilize people of all ages to create positive change in the Triangle.

Inspired? We’d Love to Hear Yours

Have a story about how Activate Good helped you find your path to making a difference?

Whether it’s a powerful volunteer moment, a nonprofit breakthrough, or a personal connection, you never know who your story might inspire next.

Our Legacy of Impact

Each year, our community steps up, and we’re proud to document the difference we’re making together. See how our work has evolved and grown over time:

Our goal is sustained civic empowerment and participation. The stories you’ll find here prove that it’s possible.

2025 IMPACT REPORT

2024 IMPACT REPORT

2023 IMPACT REPORT

2022 IMPACT REPORT

2021 IMPACT REPORT

2020 IMPACT REPORT

2019 IMPACT REPORT

2018 IMPACT REPORT

2017 IMPACT REPORT

VIRTUAL STORY TIME READERS (2020)

Mobilizing virtual volunteers to read to children to promote
literacy during COVID-19

OPERATION HAND UP (2020)

Teaming up with agencies serving the unhoused to ensure federal benefits reached clients without internet access during COVID-19

OPERATION ACCESS (2020)

Partnering with Wake County schools to ensure student technology access
during COVID-19

KIDS HELPING KIDS SUMMER OF SERVICE (2021)

Mobilizing youth to lead DIY service projects and supply drives for youth-serving causes from home during COVID-19

URBAN HEAT MAPPING
(2021)

Recruiting volunteers to map heat data in the Triangle to study socio-economic impacts of climate change and inform policy

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER EXPOS (2022)

Hosting virtual “volunteer fairs” during COVID-19 to raise awareness about local volunteer needs with Community Partners

LOOK FOR THE HELPERS
(2020)

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we teamed up with a photojournalist to capture stories of locals doing good.

SIGNS FOR GOOD (2018-TODAY)

In 2018, we launched an outreach campaign to spread kindness and raise awareness about Activate Good’s mission.

PRO HEROES (2013-2016)

Activate Good matched nearly 100 area professionals to skills-based volunteer needs for local nonprofits.