California Water Service Donates Almost $200,000 to Local Organizations to Brighten Thanksgiving and Holidays for Disadvantaged

SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/24/15 -- As part of its ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, California Water Service (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT), has partnered with charitable organizations in all of its local service areas to help provide meals and services this holiday season to thousands of families in need.

Through its Operation Gobble program, Cal Water is donating $198,000 to local charities in its 21 service areas this month. The donations include 1,300 gift checks for holiday meals, plus more than $175,000 in direct contributions. Cal Water has contributed holiday meals through Operation Gobble for the past 27 years.

According to Cal Water President and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki, Operation Gobble donations come from the company's stockholders, not from water rates.

"We are committed to being a good corporate citizen and improving the quality of life in our communities year-round," Kropelnicki said. "But we know that holidays can be especially tough, so it's a great time to provide a helping hand."

Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 473,100 service connections in California. The company has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.

Released November 24, 2015