Thanksgiving came early for a few Claremont residents this year as representatives of Golden State Water and Claremont’s Joslyn Senior Center gifted 100 turkeys Wednesday to local needy families.

Senior center representatives provided Golden State with the names of families in need for this year’s Operation Gobble, an annual outreach program started and maintained by Golden State Water since 1990.

Claremont isn’t Operation Gobble’s only stop. Golden State representatives, equipped with a pickup truck of turkeys, will visit 75 communities in 10 counties throughout the state as part of the yearly outreach. More than 7,000 turkeys will consequently make their way onto Thanksgiving tables that might have otherwise remained empty. Water company representatives team up with local food banks, churches and other nonprofits to provide the staple early-bird giveaway.

“Golden State Water Company cares about the communities it serves, and is proud to once again provide holiday joy for deserving families through our annual Thanksgiving turkey donation,” said Ben Lewis, Golden State Water’s Foothill District Manager. “Through this program, we provide a happier holiday for those who need it most.”

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com