California Water Service Group reaffirmed its commitment to improving quality of life in its communities by donating $832,000 to more than 320 local community organizations in 2017.

The company provided $60,000 in college scholarships to 22 local students, including six first-generation college students. It supported a variety of non-profits, such as the Bakersfield Homeless Center, Bethlehem Center in Visalia, and Oroville Rescue Mission. And it contributed to both the Salvation Army’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and American Red Cross’s effort to help those affected by the devastating Tubbs Fire.

In December, more than 20 employees helped sort and pack food boxes for those in need in the San Jose area through Second Harvest Food Bank, and delivered more than eight barrels of food donated by local employees. Employees also volunteered with and collected donations for the Salvation Army, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, United Way, Children’s Home of Stockton, Dixon Family Services, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, American Cancer Society, and other organizations.

In addition to making financial contributions, the company encourages its employees to volunteer their time. This year, eight Group employees traveled with Living Water International to San Jose Los Tiestos, Santo Domingo, Guatemala to install a well at a secondary and primary school. The well, which was financed in part by Group, will help ensure that children in this less developed area have access to a reliable water supply.