LAKE COUNTY — Operation Gobble launched from Clearlake Wednesday morning. Kathy Kelley, representing Senator Patricia Wiggins, was joined by representatives of Golden State Water Company (GSWC) and Lake County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) at Ray”s Food Place where 244 turkeys were donated to the Lake County community.
“This is one of the best parts of my job; making sure all these non-profits have enough turkeys to provide our communities with nice holiday dinners,” Kelley said. “Senator Wiggins wishes she could be here in person but, her heart is here.”
Operation Gobble is a charity effort sponsored locally by GSWC and California Water Company in cooperation with regional legislators. According to John Dewey, community education manager, GSWC will deliver more than 10,000 turkeys for needy families throughout its service territory in continuing with its tradition of helping families through its Operation Gobble program during the Thanksgiving holiday season.
“We really look forward to this time of year when employees of GSWC provide food and some joy to many of our customers,” Ronald Moore, a GSWC senior regulatory analyst and Operation Gobble project leader said.
Operation Gobble is a non-denominational and non-partisan effort to distribute turkeys. GSWC works in partnership with local elected officials who offer expertise in directing the donations to community food banks, churches and other non-profit organizations. As in the past, Lake County Community Action Agency will serve as the work horse in the local program, delivering 244 turkeys to 23 various agencies throughout the county.
“With hunger and food such a major issue, these turkeys will provide for people in many ranges, from children to seniors,” Lou Denny, LCCAA food service supervisor said.
Kelley commended Denny for his diligent coordination. “Lou does so much work coordinating this project making sure these turkeys get where they need to go,” she said. “He does an awesome job!”
Operation Gobble will reach five area senior centers including Highlands, Live Oaks, Lucerne Alpine, Lakeport and Middletown. Donations will also reach Calvary Chapel, First Baptist Church, LCCAA New Beginnings, Village Baptist Church, Redwood Children”s Services, LCCAA food pantry, Community Care HIV/AIDS Project and Adult Day Care/Respite, in Clearlake; New Jerusalem Church, in Lower Lake; Upper Lake Community Dinner project, North Shore Ministries and Robinson Rancheria Eldercare, in Upper Lake; St. John Episcopal, Rotary Food Program, Scotts Valley Pomo Indians and Lake Family Resource Center, in Lakeport; Catholic Charities, in Middletown; and Northlake Adult Day Care, in Lucerne. GSWC has been distributing turkeys to disadvantaged families throughout its customer service areas since 1990.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
