Calpine Corp., longtime California energy generator and provider of energy services, announced it is expanding its partnership and donation program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a new matching program for all its employee donations.

Through the new program, Calpine and its employees are contributing an additional $197,300 to organizations on the front lines in communities, listed below.

This round of donations builds off contributions of $500,000 from Calpine earlier this year to similar organizations who provide critical services in the communities where Calpine employees and customers live and work.

The organizations include Community Action Partnership of Kern County, Boys & Girls Club of Kern County, Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley, Food Bank for Monterey County, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Placer Food Bank, Alameda County Food Bank, Placer Community Foundation, Shelter Inc., Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, Greater Sacramento Urban League, Food for Families Bullhead City Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank (North Bay) and Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma / Marin.

“Communities impacted hardest by this emergency are in places where we’re already serving. Months into our emergency response effort ACCFB and its Network of Member Agencies continue to respond to unprecedented need and we are bracing for a prolonged response. Our partners will be critical for the duration of this crisis, and beyond, and we’re extremely grateful to Calpine for stepping up to nourish neighbors – especially now,” said Suzan Bateson, executive director, Alameda County Community Food Bank.

“Great partnerships can power and uplift underserved communities in sustainable ways when driven by pure intent. The Greater Sacramento Urban League is appreciative of our newly empowered partnership with Calpine. As the nation’s leader in sustainable energy sources, support from the Calpine Foundation powers the 109-year-old Urban League movement, our dedication to economic empowerment, social justice, and, eradication of barriers to equal participation and systemic biases that prevent overlooked communities from achieving the American dream,” said Cassandra H.B. Jennings, president and CEO, Greater Sacramento Urban League.

“Calpine Corp. has a long history of generously supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County investing unrestricted dollars in our Frazier Mountain Boys & Girls Club; sponsoring local Boys & Girls Club community events; and sending the important message to our children that ‘Calpine takes a personal interest in their health and happiness.’ We are very grateful to the Calpine Corp. and their leadership.” Kayla Nelson, resource development officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

“We’re so grateful for the level of dedication we see from corporate partners like Calpine,” shared Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. “They have stepped up to provide financial support that has been critical to achieving our mission in the midst of this pandemic – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support."

“We couldn’t do the work we do for Kids without valuable partners like our friends at Calpine. Because of their support this year, we will safely welcome kids into the clubs so they can thrive while distance learning. In times such as these, partnerships are ever more important! These funds aren’t just helping us keep our doors open. Together, we are providing hope and opportunity to the kids who need us most,” said Michelle Edwards, executive vice president, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.

“Here at the Community Action Partnership of Kern - M Street Navigation Center, we have a real
opportunity to work directly with those most vulnerable in our community, the homeless. Your donation and continued partnership is helping us meet our mission to move individuals out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. Your giving will provide art and personal journaling activities for M Street residents who are working towards healing and independence,” said Sheila Shegos, director of Community Development, Community Action Partnership of Kern.

“At this time, our community is in such need of help because of this pandemic and Calpine’s donations allow us to help the community right where they’re at. The donations that we received from Calpine help us stay open to help the community with food, pet food, hygiene, etc. and we would like to say ‘thank you,’” said Sheria Liles, executive director, Food for Families, Bullhead City Food Bank Inc.

“During this challenging time, San Diegans are going above and beyond to support their neighbors, uplift the needy and give to families hit hardest by COVID-19,” said Mark Stuart, president & CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “Every day, we are seeing the needs of our local communities grow and we are grateful for the generosity of organizations like Calpine Corp.”

“Our community food banks continue to provide a critical lifeline to many Californians, especially those who are the most vulnerable,” said Alex Makler, senior vice president of the West Region at Calpine. “Unfortunately, these food banks are seeing record demand due to the innumerable, devastating impacts related to COVID-19. Calpine and our employees are proud to expand our earlier support for local food banks to help those that are food-insecure.”

“For over 10 years, we have been an integral partner with California’s CCA providers and the diverse communities they represent,” said Drake Welch, senior vice president of operations and IT at Calpine. “Helping these communities has been our mission and core to who we are as an organization and we are honored to be able to support these organizations that are doing so much for our communities in the face of this unprecedented situation.”

Founded in California in 1984, Calpine Corp. has become America’s largest provider of electricity from geothermal and natural gas resources.