Dr. Richard Pan, State Assemblymember for Sacramento, and California American Water will provide more than 300 turkeys to local non-profits at his assembly district office at Sacramento State University on Nov. 22, 2011 as part of the 21st annual "Operation Gobble" program.

"I am proud to partner with our local non-profit partners in the delivery of more than 300 turkeys to local families this Thanksgiving," said Dr. Pan. "Unfortunately, there are many families in Sacramento who are struggling in this economy and cannot afford a holiday meal. That's why it's more important than ever for government and private non-profits to work together in providing basic provisions for those most in need."

The turkeys were provided below cost by Save Mart Supermarkets and will benefit numerous causes throughout the Sacramento area.

"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.

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, Dr. Pan 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 approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded 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 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

California American Water
Evan Jacobs, 916-568-4252
Mobile: 707-495-6135
evan.jacobs@amwater.com