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Citrus Heights honors HART leader with top volunteer award

Mayor Marijane Lopez-Taff (left) stands with 2026 Chip in Hall of Fame winner Irene Hronicek during the awards ceremony at City Hall, April 5, 2026. // City of Citrus Heights
Mayor Marijane Lopez-Taff (left) stands with 2026 Chip in Hall of Fame winner Irene Hronicek during the awards ceremony at City Hall, April 5, 2026. // City of Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
The City of Citrus Heights has named longtime homeless advocate and integral part of the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team Irene Hronicek as the 2026 recipient of its Chip-In Hall of Fame Award, recognizing her years of service and leadership supporting vulnerable residents in the community.

Hronicek was announced as this year’s honoree during a Volunteer Appreciation Reception held April 8 at City Hall, where 17 nominees were recognized for their contributions.

The Chip-In Hall of Fame Award is part of the city’s volunteer recognition program, celebrating residents who make a meaningful and lasting impact through service. The award highlights individuals who embody the city’s Citrus Heights Cares initiative by “chipping in” through acts of kindness, beautification efforts, and ongoing volunteerism.

According to the city, Hronicek has been a cornerstone of Citrus Heights HART since 2016, providing nearly a decade of steady, compassionate leadership. Serving as both Board Chair and RAP Committee Chair, she has played a key role in helping families avoid eviction and remain safely housed by reviewing cases and guiding funding decisions.

In addition to her leadership roles, Hronicek oversees HART’s Winter Sanctuary program, coordinating shelter, meals, and care for unhoused residents during the coldest months of the year. Her work spans logistics, volunteer coordination, and ensuring that guests feel welcomed and treated with dignity.

City officials described Hronicek as embodying servant leadership through her compassion, reliability, and commitment to helping others, noting that her efforts have helped shape HART into a trusted and impactful community organization.

Other nominees this year included Alfred Sanchez, Will Wren-Rodriguez, Ruth Fox, Katie Escajeda, Kevin Jackson, Gigi Rayford, Gretchen Fau, Dede Zampardi, and Michael Lagomarsino.

Read more about the city’s Chip-in Volunteer Hall of Fame program here.