American Water Works : Golden State Water and California American Water Team up with Assemblywoman Beth Gaines and State Senator Ted Gaines for “Operation Gobble”

California American Water:

California State Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, California State Senator Ted Gaines and two water companies serving their district – California American Water and Golden State Water – will provide 300 fresh turkeys to local non-profits at the district office of Assemblywoman Gaines on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 as part of the 25th annual “Operation Gobble” program. This year, Save Mart Supermarket is providing the turkeys at their cost to help reach even more families.

“Operation Gobble” is a joint charitable venture between California water companies and local state legislators and is set to deliver thousands of turkeys to underprivileged families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday. Introduced in 1990, the unique program pairs the local knowledge of state legislators with the resources of the private sector to benefit those in need.

“Operation Gobble is a community partnership that enables me to bring together a local business with some of the most effective non-profits in my district,” said Assemblywoman Beth Gaines. “Through this innovative partnership, we are going to deliver a Thanksgiving meal to thousands in Sacramento who may have otherwise gone without.”

During the program, participating investor-owned water companies like California American Water and Golden State 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 about 100 employees who live and work here in Sacramento,” said California American Water External Affairs Manager Evan Jacobs. “This program is an opportunity for us to give back to our customers, our neighbors and our families.”

Millions of 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.

"Operation Gobble has become an important part of the holiday season for all of our employees, who understand the significant impact a warm Thanksgiving meal can make for our neighbors in need,” said Paul Schubert, Northern General Manager for Golden State Water. “We appreciate the partnership of our elected officials and community organizations who work closely with us to ensure the turkeys find their way to those who need them most.”

Thanks to the efforts of Golden State Water, California American Water, State Senator Gaines, Assemblywoman Gaines and our non-profit partners, many Sacramento families will now have a Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.

California American Water, a 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 approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states, and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR). Golden State Water provides water service to approximately 257,000 customers throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California, and distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California through its Bear Valley Electric Service division. American States Water Company also owns a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS). ASUS provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50 year privatization contracts.

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