MHEDA Members Give Back
A Heartfelt Partnership
Complete Forklift Repair teams up with GO Pantry to support the community.
By Nicole Needles
COMPLETE FORKLIFT REPAIR, a business built on service and community support, has found its way into the hearts of many families in Northern Kentucky through a unique partnership with GO Pantry, a nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity. Their story together began somewhat unexpectedly, but it quickly grew into a collaboration that exemplifies the power of community involvement and servant leadership.
The relationship between Complete Forklift Repair and GO Pantry began serendipitously when a business colleague introduced Chris Dove, the owner at Complete Forklift Repair, to GO Pantry as the organization was moving into a new warehouse. Initially, Dove and the company didn’t know much about GO Pantry’s mission, but “I just started to help,” Dove recalls. By recognizing areas where they could provide logistical and material support, Complete Forklift Repair saw an opportunity to make a tangible impact on GO Pantry’s mission.
The drive to support GO Pantry runs deep for Dove, who grew up in Wallins Creek, Kentucky, a small Appalachian town known for its strong community spirit. Here, he was influenced by the late Mike Howard, affectionately known as “Mountain Santa.” Howard was a community leader who embodied servant leadership, delivering food baskets to families in need during the holiday season and creating lasting smiles. Reflecting on this formative influence, Dove emphasizes, “All good servants make great leaders.” This belief forms the backbone of the company’s commitment to helping GO Pantry serve the Northern Kentucky community.
When Dove met GO Pantry co-founders Laura and Beth and learned about their work, the commitment was solidified.
“The needs they fill inside our community are so important to so many families,” he said.
GO Pantry provides essential food support through “Go Bags” for weekends and “Go Boxes” that supply a week’s worth of food during school breaks. Dove stresses that anyone can face food insecurity at any point, reinforcing the importance of standing together as a community.
As Dove and the Complete Forklift Repair team assessed GO Pantry’s operational needs, they noticed an immediate gap: a lack of material handling equipment. Understanding that this would be essential for effective warehousing, the company sourced a used forklift, provided a battery charger and improved the warehouse’s receiving docks. This gift enabled GO Pantry to utilize its space more efficiently and streamline its efforts to distribute food to approximately 1,200 children in six Northern Kentucky counties.
The partnership didn’t end there. Complete Forklift Repair has continued to offer maintenance services to ensure that GO Pantry remains fully operational.
“Our team enjoys serving the GO Pantry team,” Dove shares. “Whether it’s our field technicians providing service or our office staff assisting with parts requests, we all find fulfillment in being part of GO Pantry’s mission.”
In a touching example of this mutual appreciation, the team attended a recent fundraising event and left with a deeper understanding of the impact they were making.
The recent recognition of Complete Forklift Repair as GO Pantry’s “Community Partner of the Year” has only strengthened the company’s resolve. “Whenever I’m around the GO Pantry team, I feel like I’m witnessing something greater,” Dove reflects. “I feel part of something special and more meaningful. It’s spiritually fulfilling.” This award underscores the vital role that local businesses can play in supporting nonprofits and illustrates Complete Forklift Repair’s commitment to uplifting their neighbors.
Looking ahead, Complete Forklift Repair intends to continue its support, from preventive maintenance for GO Pantry’s equipment to meeting future material handling needs as the nonprofit grows. Through this partnership, Complete Forklift Repair shows that community support can take many forms, whether through resources, time or simply standing by those who work to make a difference.
