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Citrus Heights Messenger

Volunteers join Chamber of Commerce to raise $10,000 for P.A.L.

Mar 10, 2022 12:00AM ● By By Patsy McGavock, JustServe

From left to right, Anna Pinkerton, Diane Ebbitt-Riehle, Dixie Immoos, Jason Russo, JoAnn McQuagge, Kris Frey and Vickie Packer pose for a photo.

Volunteers join Chamber of Commerce to raise $10,000 for P.A.L. [3 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - JustServe volunteers joined in the fun helping the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce raise $10,000 for the Citrus Heights Police Activities League; an organization where Police Officers and personal volunteer their time to mentor children and youth.  

This relationship between youth and police is especially important to Diane Ebbitt-Riehle, director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.  Having been involved with CHPAL for 6 years, Ebbitt-Riehle says “It a great organization that helps connect kids with Police Officers. When kids have a positive connection with Police Officers, it helps the kids stay on the right path.”

CHPAL is a non-profit organization coupling sports and recreational activities for youth with drug and gang awareness education.  While exercising their bodies and minds, youth discover new sports, confidence, awareness, respect, teamwork and patience.  

Police Commander Kris Frey shares “The most significant impact I have witnessed with CHPAL in our community has been the positive relationships that have been developed through the years between the youth in our city and law enforcement, specifically Citrus Heights police officers.  This commitment is detailed in the CHPAL mission statement: CHPAL ‘is committed to fostering positive relationships, based on trust and respect, between law enforcement and youth through activities and programs.’”

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce works to support such organizations, as evidenced by the success of its 2nd annual Corn Hole Tournament Fundraiser held on February 18. The Citrus Heights Chamber also works with the Homeless Assistance Resource Team, HART, and the Rotary Club.  

“Everyone at the event had a great time. What I liked most about the event is that it was family friendly. Parents were able to bring their kids and actually participate together. Mom and son, Dad and daughters, Grandma and Grandson. Mayor Middleton and her son, had a team, Police Chief had two teams with his sons, and the new City Manager brought his kids and had two teams.” 

Volunteers are a vital for success.  Frey adds “Volunteers are an invaluable resource and an essential part of any organization. The CHPAL and the CHPD Department have been blessed for years to have dedicated volunteers that are giving of their time and extremely dedicated with supporting the work we do for the community.”  

JustServe.org, came alongside the Chamber to gather volunteers.  JustServe.org is an initiative and website that hosts various service groups and activities where volunteers can match their interests to volunteer opportunities. Volunteers find a wide variety of opportunities worldwide, with over 100 opportunities within 15 miles of Citrus Heights, by browsing and registering at JustServe.org.  All services are free for volunteers and organization using the site. Local representatives are all volunteers themselves.  

“We hope to build a more united community by connecting volunteers with the community that needs them to thrive,” says Patsy McGavock, a community outreach specialist with JustServe.  “My experience with JustServe witnesses there is so much good going on.  It there’s a need in the community you see, you can get involved with the group that is already filling it. JustServe.org is that bridge.”