Once again, California’s investor-owned water companies participated in Operation Gobble with local nonprofit organizations and policymakers to distribute turkeys and “fixings” to families during Thanksgiving. Operation Gobble, initiated in 1988 by the California Water Association, has fed hundreds of thousands of people in need.
Golden State Water Company (GSWC) partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ralphs/Food 4 Less, local and state elected officials and community leaders at Dodger Stadium to distribute more than 2,250 turkeys and fixings to nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles area that benefit families in need. At the event, GSWC staff filled canvas bags with turkeys, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, candied yams, cranberry sauce, dressing and corn and loaded them into hundreds of vehicles lining the stadium. Statewide, GSWC distributed more than 9,000 turkeys this year and has proudly donated more than 200,000 turkeys during the 23 years the company has participated in Operation Gobble.
In a recent newsletter, State Senator Bob Huff expressed his gratitude for GSWC’s and Suburban Water Systems’ contributions to Operation Gobble, “I am grateful to the water companies and the local charities for their benevolence and their heart for service. These partnerships are invaluable to our community as a lifeline to the needy, and because of this, over 250 families will be able to gather this Thanksgiving and enjoy a turkey dinner with their loved ones.”
For the 25th year, California Water Service Company (Cal Water) participated in Operation Gobble by distributing 8,500 gift certificates for the purchase of turkey or turkey products to more than 100 local charities in its service areas. Cal Water opted to provide gift certificates rather than frozen turkeys to provide flexibility to the charities and families participating in the program. Gift certificates also eliminated the need for delivery trucks, which is better for the environment.
For its 23rd annual Operation Gobble, California American Water (CAW) distributed turkeys to local nonprofit organizations throughout its service areas statewide, including those in Sacramento and Monterey Counties. Approximately 1,800 turkeys were given out in Sacramento. Special guests at these area events included State Senator and President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, State Senator Jim Nielsen and State Senator Kevin de Le?n.
“Many of us are blessed this Thanksgiving to be surrounded by our family and friends to eat great food,” said Senator Nielsen. “Unfortunately, not all Americans have the resources to have a hot meal, but thanks to the generosity of California American Water and their employees, many more families will enjoy a hot meal this holiday.”
