Edison-Based Company Gives Comfort to Vet with Memorial Day Donation

Edison, NJ, June 23, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​​​​​Memorial Day is a time to remember veterans who have sacrificed for their country. And while there’s no way the rest of us can really repay them, we can try to make their lives easier whenever possible. This Memorial Day, Edison-based Dr. Leonard’s® Healthcare Corp., a leading direct mail marketer of affordable health and personal care products, became aware of a vet in dire need, and acted to help him.

A Vet in Need

"Dr. Leonard's stands up for veterans. It's things like this that make me proud to work here."

Larry Kraemer, Dr. Leonard's Receiving Manager

WWII veteran Frank Zito had to have part of his leg amputated recently. In addition to having to adapt to a reduced level of mobility, he found that standard wheelchairs were too heavy, cumbersome and bulky to get around his living quarters. Frank’s situation was known to Gene O’Grady, a former Commander of the American Legion in New Jersey. O’Grady is a peer of Dr. Leonard’s® Receiving Manager Larry Kraemer; both vets are deeply involved with veterans’ causes.

Once Kraemer heard about Zito’s situation, he started the ball rolling to get a Bobcat™ Scooter—an item that Dr. Leonard’s sells—to Zito. The scooters are lighter, smaller and more maneuverable than typical wheelchairs. Karen Gourley, Purchasing Manager at Dr. Leonard’s®, checked on the scooter’s availability at the company’s warehouse. Luckily, there were two. Company President Joe Albanese gave the OK for one of them to be provided to Zito. The Dr. Leonard’s team acted quickly to secure the Bobcat, presenting it to Zito at the Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River, N.J. on Memorial Day. There, as in many locations nationwide, fallen vets are commemorated with graveside memorials each year. Zito received the Bobcat and was able to give his new wheels a test drive, familiarizing himself with its workings.

Zito, who calls Beachwood, N.J. home, was grateful for the gift, saying, “Thank you so much. I am getting used to [the scooter] and it’s a big help to me.”

A History of Helping Vets

Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare Corp. has been helping improve the lives of its customers since 1980 through its direct-mail catalogs Dr. Leonard’s® and Carol Wright Gifts®. But the Edison-based company also has a history of stepping in when veterans are in need. Last year, it donated 68 of the same Bobcat Scooters to the VFW Post #2179 in Port Monmouth, N.J. to be distributed to veterans with mobility issues. The company is also a supporter of the NJ Run for the Fallen and the Gold Star Family Monument Memorial in Holmdel. Kraemer, who’s a passionate supporter of both efforts, said, “Dr. Leonard’s stands up for veterans. It’s things like this that make me proud to work here.”

Dr. Leonard’s® sells Bobcats online and through its catalogs (for a retail price of $699.99). Their smaller size can help vets navigate in tighter living spaces. And for people who are not physically strong, the scooters’ light weight and nimble steering make getting around easier, and transportation less of a chore.

For more information, contact Donna Elliott, 732-225-0100 ext: 276, [email protected]

The Bobcat™ Scooter

The three-wheel Bobcat™ electric scooter offers tremendous assistance to veterans or anyone who has difficulty getting around. Along with greater mobility, the scooter provides them with a new level of independence and confidence. The Bobcat is affordable, easy to handle, and comes with all the necessary safety and convenience features. Its retail price on drleonards.com is $699.99.

Dr. Leonard’s® Healthcare Corp.

Since 1980, Dr. Leonard’s® Healthcare Corp. has been the leading direct mail marketer of affordable health and personal care products including: dietary supplements, arthritis and pain relievers, and support and mobility aids. Over the years, they have expanded their product selection to include apparel, footwear and “As Seen On TV” items to better serve their vast customer base. In 2001, they launched drleonards.com, a premier shopping destination for customers looking for quality products and unprecedented savings. Dr. Leonard’s® Healthcare Corp. also owns Carol Wright Gifts® (carolwrightgifts.com).