The Fork Truck That Could

This is going to be a little hard for me to share as I am not one to usually share a such personal story like this But, this project means this much to me that I am willing to put myself out like this. My wife not so much. In 2021 I lost my 27 yr old daughter Naomi, 7 days after her birthday. My wife was pregnant at the time. After losing Naomi I could not fulfill my duties at work, I would randomly break down, and could not focus it was at least an Hour and 15 minutes to work and sometimes longer back home. All I would do is cry on my way to work and cry at work, and cry some more on my way home. I decided to quit work. A few months later, my wife and I lost our new baby boy Levi.

Things got financially really bad. It was the day before thanksgiving we had no food, no money it was a really low moment in our lives. We had heard about this food Pantry called The Market. I was devastated that it has come down to this. My wife and I mustered up the little courage we had and made our way to The Market. I've never felt so embarrassed so ashamed. As we walked into this place, I was sure I was going to be judged. I mean Look at this guy. He looks like he is well and able to work and provide for his family, WHY IS HE HERE? But that was not the case at all!! They welcomed us with open arms like we were family, all the shame and embarrassment were gone. They told us you take whatever you want, whatever we need, they did not know us did not know our story they just loved on us. When we were done, they made sure to let us know that we were welcome back anytime we wanted to. Since then, I started to volunteer my time at The Market. We go there once or twice a week and give of our time. They have been an absolute blessing in our lives. Ken and His wife Christine run this operation and their love for people in need is incredible. I see how people come in and they know each one by the name they will sit there and just ask how they are doing, and how the family is, and they will pray with them. To play a small part in this is an absolute honor. The Food Bank where they get their food, donated a Fork Truck to them. I went with Ken to pick it up, it is currently sitting in my shop. I am going thru it greasing it up and giving it a preventative maintenance check. The only thing this fork truck does not have is a battery, hence the purpose of this GoFundMe project. The battery is a 36v battery which currently runs around 3,000.00 dollars! All funds that get donated to The Market go towards food to keep The Market stocked for the people in need. These people have helped me and my family during a time in our lives that was the lowest we have ever been. I would like to help them out with getting them a battery for this fork truck. Ken is going to have Hip surgery in April so this fork truck is going to be a super huge blessing for him as currently, we unload pallet loads of food by hand. I need help from yall! I would love to get this fork truck running for them. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance. Thank You all sooo much. Please forgive my grammar or lack thereof.