Kush Patel
Discover how 312 Truck Body Repair & Painting is giving back to the South Side of Chicago. From holiday toy drives to fresh food distributions, learn about their partnership with The Kindness Campaign and upcoming community events, including a food drive on February 8th. Join us in building a stronger, healthier neighborhood!
As we entered the new year, I made a personal resolution: giving back to the local communities that have supported us for decades.
Although 312 Truck is a relative newcomer to the South Side of Chicago, our location has deep history spanning more than 30 years. In that time, what started as a small operation has grown into a team of over 120 employees across seven locations.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our neighbors.
Over the years, we’ve experienced our share of challenges, but time and again, we’ve been met with kindness and encouragement from those around us. Now that we’re in a position to give back, it’s important to us to repay those acts of kindness in meaningful ways.
Sometimes, the right opportunities come when you least expect them.
Late in 2024, I met Chris Watts, the inspiring founder of The Kindness Campaign (TKC), when he brought one of his organization’s vehicles to one of our repair facilities following a minor collision.
During our conversation, Chris shared the mission of TKC: providing free groceries and healthy meals to families in need across the South Side of Chicago. His passion and commitment to uplifting our neighborhoods struck a chord with me, and from that moment, a partnership began.
Our collaboration with TKC kicked off during the holiday season with a toy drive at our facility on 67th and Western. Thanks to the generosity of the community and the support of Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman (16th Ward) and State Senator Willie Preston, we were able to distribute toys to hundreds of children on Christmas Eve.
Seeing the joy on the children’s faces reminded us of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. It was a moment that reaffirmed the importance of giving back.
Building on that momentum, we hosted a food drive on January 4th. Together with TKC, we distributed thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local families. Unlike many food drives that focus on canned and non-perishable items, TKC emphasizes the importance of fresh, healthy ingredients so families can prepare balanced meals.
It was a humbling experience to see how something as simple as access to fresh food can bring relief and hope to families in our community.
Our commitment to supporting our South Side neighbors doesn’t stop here. We’re excited to announce another food drive on Saturday, February 8th, and we’re eager to continue organizing events like these throughout the year. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term effort to give back to the community that has given us so much.
To The Kindness Campaign and our incredible community who has supported us over the years—and to those who join us in these efforts—thank you. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re honored to stand alongside you in making a difference.
We hope to see you at our upcoming food drive on February 8th. Together, we’ll continue to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected South Side.
"For over 20 years, the Patel family [312's owners] has worked alongside Enterprise Rentals, managing thousands of repairs of all sizes. Their deep knowledge of the collision industry—especially fleet-specific repairs—makes them a trusted resource in keeping our vehicles road-ready."
"Every off-season, we turn to 312 to refresh our fleet. They sandblast and repaint dozens of frames, trailers, and specialty paving equipment so everything is ready to hit the road again. Their speed and consistency have never let us down, and the quality of work speaks for itself."
"Keeping our fleet in top shape is a priority, and we need a partner that operates with speed and efficiency. 312 Truck has been instrumental in helping maintain our delivery vehicles—everything from mechanical work to heavy collision and cosmetic repairs for hundreds of our units every year."
"Although we handle minor collision work in-house, when it comes to paint, 312 Truck is our go-to. Their pricing is among the most competitive in the Chicagoland area—often half of what others charge while still delivering high-quality results. They’ve been a valuable extension of our team."
"312 Truck has been a reliable partner for our vehicle maintenance centers in the Midwest. Their team has helped with everything from Promaster vans to full-size trailers. One of the key reasons we continue to trust them is their excellent communication—keeping us informed throughout."
"Our business turns old shipping containers into mobile bars and quick-serve restaurants—we needed a paint partner who understands precision. 312 Truck’s marine-grade coatings match our brand colors with a flawless finish every time. Their attention to detail exceeds our clients' high expectations."
"Our garbage trucks endure a lot of wear and tear—from accident damage to rust buildup. 312 Truck handles everything from structural repairs to repainting and de-branding before resale. Their expertise in durable, wear-resistant coatings keeps our fleet looking sharp against the elements."
