Water companies participate in ‘Operation Gobble’ giveaways
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This Thanksgiving season, California Water Service and Golden State Water, two of the water companies that serve portions of Lake County, once again participated in the annual “Operation Gobble” giveaway to community nonprofits.
On Wednesday morning, California Water Service’s Redwood Valley District Local Manager Darin McCosker and Superintendent Donny Breedlove visited the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, where they presented a check for $3,500 to center officials.
Lucerne Alpine Senior Center Executive Director Kent Benson said the funds will be used for building repairs, specifically, new compressors.
McCosker said the funds are meant to be used where it makes the most sense and does the most good.
Cal Water reported that through its Operation Gobble program this year it donated a total of $11,000 to the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, Redwood Empire Food Bank, West County Community Services and North Bay Fire Relief Effort through The charitable organizations provide senior services, housing, meals, rehabilitation services and more.
“We work hard to be a good neighbor and provide donations throughout the year, but Operation Gobble provides us with a chance to assist families that are struggling during the holiday season,” said McCosker. “By partnering with local organizations, we can more effectively reach and impact those who need assistance in our communities.”
Cal Water serves approximately 1,900 service connections in the Redwood Valley area and about two million people through 480,300 service connections in California.
McCosker said Operation Gobble donations come from the utility’s philanthropic giving program, not from water rates.
Companywide, $166,000 has been donated this year through the philanthropic program, McCosker said.
In Clearlake, Golden State Water partnered with members of the Clearlake City Council to distribute turkeys to local nonprofit organizations in the Northern District that serve individuals and families in need as part of its Operation Gobble outreach program, which has been a company tradition since 1990.
This year, Golden State Water reported that it distributed more than 7,700 turkeys to nonprofits serving individuals and families with limited resources.
Throughout the 27-year tradition, Golden State Water said it has donated more than 231,700 turkeys to charitable organizations through Operation Gobble.
In addition to Clearlake, Golden State Water employees delivered turkeys throughout November to community-based organizations that serve the areas of Arden Manor, Bay Point, Gold River, Rancho Cordova and Sutter County.
Organizations that benefitted from Operation Gobble donations included Rancho Cordova Community Food Locker, River City Christian, Elks Lodge #2484, Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, Alliance for Hispanic Advancement, Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way, Craftsmen for Christ, Marysville Mission, River Bottoms Ministry, Salvation Army Yuba-Sutter Corps, Clearlake Charities, St. Ignatius Parish, Ambrose Lions Club and CCC Café.
“We appreciate the partnerships with elected officials and community leaders to help ensure the turkeys find their way to those in our community who need them most,” said Paul Schubert, Northern District general manager for Golden State Water. “Our employees look forward to Operation Gobble every year, because they take pride in serving the community and understand how a warm holiday meal can positively impact an individual or family that is less fortunate.”
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