BOSTON -- From free medicine to discounted gas programs, there are special deals running for people who have lost their jobs, or fallen on hard times. NewsCenter 5's Bianca De La Garza reported Tuesday on the latest promotions.

Companies big and small are offering freebies hoping to please people struggling, because of the economy.

"Companies really want to get your business," said Edgar Dworsky, a consumer expert who founded Consumer Word in 1995.

And Pfizer, the company that makes Viagra, is launching its new, free drug program July 1. Under Pfizer's MAINTAIN program, unemployed people and their immediate family members can get medications for up to a year or until they become employed, whichever comes first. More than 70 prescription drugs, including Viagra, Zoloft and Lipitor. To qualify, an individual must have become unemployed in 2009 and must have been taking a Pfizer medicine for at least three months before losing their jobs.

Deals like this make sense to Dworsky.

"They're maintaining good will, creating good will, but also trying to keep customers in their brand," he said.

Car companies are also competing for business with deals. On June 30, Hyundai launched a summer promotion that guarantees buyers of its vehicles one year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon, regardless of the price at the pump. Consumers will receive a new Hyundai Assurance-branded card to be used for all future fill-ups.

"It's an incentive to buy a Hyundai verses another brand," said Dworsky.

And for those who may lose their jobs, Sears has a major appliance program that will help you out.

"If you buy a major appliance for $399 or higher, and subsequently become unemployed after 60 days, they will give you back one-twelfth of your purchase price and you will get to keep the item," Dworsky said.

Stop and Shop's free antibiotic program runs until July 11.