June 25, 2010

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National Distributors Donates
Handicap Accessible Van to Alpha One

Jeff Kane (right) president of National Distributors, handing over the keys of the donated van to Dennis Fitzgibbons, executive director of Alpha One.

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors, is pleased to announce that the family-owned beverage distribution company is donating a handicap accessible van to Alpha One. Alpha One enables people with disabilities in Maine to live more fully and more independently in all aspects of their lives. The van will eventually be retrofitted so that it can be used by Alpha One's driver evaluation program.

Jeff Kane said, "This van was used by the previous president of National Distributors, my father-in-law Frank Gaziano, in his later years. After his recent passing, the family decided to donate this van to Alpha One. Frank was such a big part of the community and this donation is an appropriate way for our company to honor Frank and also commemorate our 50th anniversary. Frank's two daughters, Judy Kane of Falmouth and Jill Mitchell of Scarborough, are thrilled to see the van being used by an agency that assists so many disabled people in Maine."

Alpha One's driver evaluation program helps people resume driving following a disability or to help young adults with developmental disabilities start driving. The intent of the driver evaluation program is to help people maintain their independence or develop strategies for independent driving.

Dennis Fitzgibbons, executive director of Alpha One said, "Alpha One is thrilled to accept this donation for our driver evaluation program. Driving makes all the difference between dependence and independence for our clients. Being able to drive has such a big impact in the lives of disabled people, particularly in Maine where public transportation is so limited.