BYD, “Build Your Dreams” announced Thursday the donation of a clean energy electric BYD forklift and two electric pallet jacks to the AV Dream Center, a food bank serving northern Los Angeles County.

The company, known for its unique blue-painted vehicles, donated an emission-free electric ECB16 three-wheel forklift with an 110V wall charger and two electric PMW20 pallet jacks.

BYD forklifts and their reliable iron phosphate battery chemistry are the first anywhere in the world that can utilize 110V AC charging. No special equipment or messy installations are required. That feature alone made the forklift uniquely and perfectly suited for operation at the Dream Center, where pallets of canned goods can often weigh 3,000 pounds, BYD officials said.

The BYD pallet jacks will help volunteers too, as they are replacing manual jacks, making it easier for volunteers to move pallets of food.

“We wish food banks did not need to exist. But as long as they do, BYD wants to do what we can to help support the community and operations like the Dream Center,” said Terry Rains, Director of BYD’s North American Forklift Division. “Being more efficient, both in terms of energy costs and operation, will ultimately help the AV Dream Center feed more families.”

AV Dream Center was started in 2013 by John and Denise Perry with a goal of reaching out to those in need in the Antelope Valley, building them up, restoring hope in their lives, and inspiring them to dream again. The Dream Center now serves 4,000 people a month.

“Build Your Dreams and AV Dream Center – you couldn’t ask for a better connection there,” said John Perry, who founded the food bank with his wife Denise. “We are grateful for this donation and partnership.”

BYD employee Vicki Miller, a volunteer with the Dream Center, helped facilitate the donation.

BYD’s American manufacturing facility employs hundreds of men and women, many are members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union, (SMART), Local 105. Our Community Benefits Agreement includes a commitment to hire veterans, single parents and the formerly incarcerated. Our partnership with the Antelope Valley Community College sets up apprenticeship programs so that people in our community can learn valuable skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.