By Sara Beth Williams–
The City of Citrus Heights is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Chip-In Hall of Fame Award, recognizing residents who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the community.
The annual award, now in its second year, honors individuals whose actions help make Citrus Heights a better place to live. City officials say nominees may be recognized for acts of kindness, volunteer service, beautification efforts, or simply for stepping up when it matters most.
The Chip-In Hall of Fame Award is part of the city’s broader Chip-In initiative, which encourages residents to take pride in their neighborhoods and contribute to maintaining and improving the community. The city also hosts regular “Chip-In” community service days where volunteers gather to help beautify streets near City Hall.
Nominations for the Chip In Hall of Fame Award opened Feb. 25 and will remain open through March 11. Residents can submit nominations online at: https://ow.ly/Ar1l50YlfZN.
The city awarded the inaugural Chip-In Hall of Fame Award to Janet Harry last year, for her extensive volunteering over nine years with the Citrus Heights Police Department during a ceremony held on April 23, 2025.
The award recipient was chosen anonymously by a panel of community leaders and city staff, based on submitted nominations.
Other nominees in 2025 included former City Councilmember Albert Fox, animal rescuer and activist Melissa Hayden, former Planning Commissioner Natalee Price, and REACH president Kathy Morris. Several additional volunteers were nominated for their work supporting the Citrus Heights Police Department, identifying and reporting blight, and assisting with community events at the Citrus Heights Event Center.
Nominees were also recognized during the City Council meeting on April 23, where councilmembers thanked them and emphasized the value of community volunteerism. Then-vice mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff described volunteers as “force-for-good multipliers” and expressed gratitude for their service.
Additional details about the nomination process and award recognition are available through the city’s website and social media channels.
