OPERATION GOBBLE: Yamada, Cal Water Give Turkey Gift Certificates

Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, partnered with the California Water Service Company Thursday to distribute 100 turkey gift certificates through its annual “Operation Gobble” program.

 This marks the fifth consecutive year that Yamada has participated in the program. 

“I am honored to continue partnering with Cal Water to provide the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal for 4th District families in need,” Yamada said. 

“With recent federal cuts to the state’s CalFresh – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Operation Gobble should also remind us about the issue of hunger in our communities, and the increasing demand on local food banks to provide additional assistance.

"For those who can help, please consider donating to local food banks and relief organizations this holiday season,” she said. 

“Operation Gobble” is an annual effort of the California Water Association who provides Thanksgiving turkeys to low-income families for the Thanksgiving holiday in partnership with local water companies and legislators. 

Instead of the customary frozen turkeys, Yamada and Cal Water in Dixon have opted to distribute $15 gift certificates in order to provide flexibility for the charities and families. 

Local legislators participate in the program by recommending charities in their districts that can help with distribution.

“We look forward to Operation Gobble every year because it is a great opportunity to give back to our community and help families in need,” said Jack Caldwell, Cal Water Dixon local manager. “We have appreciated Assemblymember Yamada’s support for the past five years.”

Participating charities include Benicia Community Action Council in Benicia; Short Term Emergency Aid Committee and Davis Community Meals in Davis; Dixon Family Services in Dixon; Mission Solano Rescue Mission in Fairfield; Rio Vista Community Services in Rio Vista; Suisun City Senior Center in Suisun City; Vaca Fish and Vacaville Veterans Memorial Association in Vacaville; John Pierce Food Closet in West Sacramento; Winters Community Dinner in Winters; Food Bank of Yolo County and Yolo Wayfarer Center in Woodland; and Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. 

This year, Cal Water will be distributing 450 $15 gift certificates to local charities.