Logo courtey of JustServe City

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights was recognized as a JustServe City, honoring the city's commitment to volunteerism, unity and community service. JustServe representative Cassy Vaioleti-Matu presented the designation at the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.

Citrus Heights joins a growing national movement of more than 70 cities, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Wichita, Kansas and Houston, Texas, working to strengthen communities through fostering volunteerism, resident engagement and partnerships among community organizations.

“Volunteerism is one of the many ways Citrus Heights residents show up for one another and help make our community stronger,” said Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff. “We are proud to be recognized as a JustServe City and to join communities across the country in encouraging service, connection and civic engagement.”

“This designation honors the service our residents already provide and confirms Citrus Heights' ongoing commitment to volunteerism,” said Cassy Vaioleti-Matu, a local JustServe specialist with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

That commitment is already visible in communitywide service efforts.

Events such as the city’s annual Chip-In Day which brings residents together for beautification projects, including landscaping and public space improvements, community wide food drives and the Fire Department's Fill the Boot for Burns showcase the city’s efforts. Citrus Heights also joined the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation's Big Day of Service in 2025, continuing its participation in 2026.

The regional Big Day of Service effort unites residents, businesses, faith groups and organizations across Citrus Heights, Orangevale and Fair Oaks. Projects have included park and school improvements, senior outreach, food closet improvements and assembling hygiene kits for unhoused neighbors.

For residents wondering where to begin, opportunities are already close to home.

The city's Volunteer Hub connects residents with opportunities to contribute at https://www.citrusheights.net/489/Volunteer-Opportunities. Residents can also visit www.JustServe.org, a free platform connecting volunteers with local service opportunities.

 “Whether you have a few hours to give or want to take on a larger volunteer project, there are many ways to make a difference right here in Citrus Heights,” Lopez-Taff added.

“JustServe helps residents contribute whenever they can, whether for one hour or through an ongoing commitment,” Vaioleti-Matu said.

Citrus Heights will also be among cities honored nationally at the National League of Cities City Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, in November.

While the designation brings national recognition, the work remains local — neighbors helping neighbors, organizations working together and residents contributing to the place they call home.

The invitation is simple: Find a need, find an opportunity, reach out to the city — or a neighbor — and serve.