Forklift dealer Watts Equipment Co Inc of Manteca has donated nine electric pallet trucks to seven non-profit organisations.

"Each jack with battery and charger runs approximately USD4,000," says Shirley Perreira, president of the forklift dealership.

"Every year we look at what we can do to help our local communities and give back where we can," she says. "Sometimes it is not equipment. Sometimes we sponsor main fundraisers for different non-profits."

The recipients and their California locations include the Red Cross in Stockton, Habitat for Humanity in Chico, Commodity Supplement in Modesto, Lodi House in Lodi, Bread of Life in Stockton, 2nd Harvest Food Bank in Manteca and Emergency Food Bank in Stockton.

"We donated some in December and January," Perreira reports. "The last two (Toyota HBW23 electric pallet trucks) are being delivered this week."

In 2010, Watts Equipment donated two electric forklifts to the Salvation Army. "We are still partners with them and help in different ways in their cause when possible," Perreira says. "They were so thankful for the donation."

The dealership employs 50 people, occupies about 15,000 sqft. (1,350 sqm) and is in the process of relocation. "We are just about to move into our new property, which is 24,000 sqft. (2,230 sqm) of office and shop space, on 3.2 acres," she says.

Established in 1967, Watts Equipment began representing the Toyota brand in 1971 and the Crown brand in 1984.