SALINAS VALLEY — As part of California Water Service’s annual Operation Gobble, the utility teamed up with local legislators and nonprofits, including the Food Bank for Monterey County, to support thousands of Monterey County families in need with Thanksgiving meals and essential services.
Cal Water donated $10,000 to support holiday food drives being held by six nonprofits in King City and Salinas, and $8,300 for meal kits at its Nov. 24 distribution event at the food bank.
In advance of last Monday’s distribution, Cal Water employees — who provide water to more than 138,000 people in the King City and Salinas districts — spent time at the food bank packaging two meal kits. One meal kit had all the makings for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, while another included everything to whip up a great pozole.
“Every year, Operation Gobble enables us to give back and improve the quality of life for those in our community,” said Brenda Granillo, Salinas District Manager. “It’s always an honor to partner with others who share our purpose, because together, we make a bigger impact.”
The kits were distributed with help from Sen. John Laird, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue to the following nonprofits: Loaves and Fishes, King City; Salvation Army, Soledad/King City; Santa Lucia Rotary, Salinas; Food Bank for Monterey County; Salvation Army, Salinas; and Dorothy’s Place.
“Another successful Operation Gobble pulled off to great success with so many partners,” wrote Lopez on social media afterward. “[Food Bank for Monterey County and Cal Water] are the incredible leads making it happen for so many who need a little help this Thanksgiving. This year the meals are culturally relevant with pozole kits and traditional holiday turkeys at the core of the distribution. We can’t say thank you enough to this powerful partnership.”
This was Cal Water’s 36th Operation Gobble, of which donations come from the utility’s philanthropic giving program, not from water rates. While Cal Water is an integral part of Salinas Valley communities year-round, the holidays are an especially important time for the utility to help those who may have difficulty making ends meet.
Melissa Kendrick, CEO and executive director of Food Bank for Monterey County, said it is always an honor to partner with those with a desire to serve their community.
“Now more than ever, community support is so important, and we are grateful for Cal Water’s longstanding support in our efforts to end hunger in Monterey County,” Kendrick said.
