California American Water Teams Up with State Assemblymember Ted Gaines for “Operation Gobble”

California American Water:

California State Assemblymember Ted Gaines and California American Water will provide 100 turkeys to local non-profits this year on Nov. 23, 2010 as part of the 20th annual “Operation Gobble” program.

The turkeys were provided at cost by Savemart and will benefit various causes in the Sacramento area, including the Bayside Granite Bay “Adopt a Family” program, Upper Room Dining Hall and the Shared Food Closet at the Federated Church.

“Operation Gobble” is a joint charitable venture between California water companies and local state legislators and is set to deliver an estimated 30,000 turkeys to under-privileged families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday. First begun in 1990, the unique program pairs the local knowledge of state legislators with the resources of the private sector to benefit those in need.

"Our office is proud to be associated with this annual event," said Assemblymember Gaines. “The knowledge our office has of the local community and the resources of California American Water have combined to benefit our local community and help those who are in need this holiday season.”

During the program, participating investor-owned water companies like California American Water provide turkeys and transportation in partnership with local elected officials who offer local expertise in directing the donations to community food banks, churches and other non-profit organizations.

“California American Water has more than 80 employees who live and work here in Sacramento,” said California American Water Northern Division General Manager Andy Soule. “This program is an opportunity for us to give back to our customers, our neighbors and our families.”

According to the latest study of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research on hunger, 2.9 million Californians lack sufficient resources to feed themselves on a regular basis. Many of these residents are low income families that will not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal. Thanks to the efforts of California American Water and Assemblymember Gaines and our non-profit partners, many Sacramento families will now have a Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.