IMAGEN Brands, part of Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480), is ready to help a nonprofit that provides service dogs to people with disabilities.

Starting July 15, IMAGEN will donate 1% of all stock plush sales to 4 Paws for Ability, which trains service dogs on its purpose-built campus in Xenia, OH.

Nonprofit 4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 1,500 highly specialized service dogs with those in need since 1998.

Back in 2019, IMAGEN started a giveback program with the launch of its Hey Buddy Bear, making a donation to an education foundation for every bear sold, according to Lisa LeMond, vice president of sales and customer service. The partnership with 4 Paws for Ability expands on those initial efforts.

“We’re excited to extend our reach by supporting 4 Paws for Ability,” LeMond said. “The organization’s mission to enrich the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with life-changing service dogs aligns with our values as an organization. We hope to make a big impact with the giveback program.”

Since 1998, 4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 1,500 highly specialized service dogs with those in need. The nonprofit employs more than 75 people and relies on hundreds of volunteers. Its service dogs have been placed in almost all 50 states and help people with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, mobility issues and more.

Donations from businesses like IMAGEN are essential to the nonprofit’s ability to carry out its mission, said Kelly Camm, development director at 4 Paws for Ability.

“It costs between $40,000 and $60,000 to raise, train and place a single service dog,” Camm added. “Monetary donations are essential to cover all the associated expenses, such as food, equipment, supplies, veterinary care and the professional training required to place these dogs with the children and veterans waiting for their often-lifesaving four-pawed friends.”

Promotional products distributors must use the reference code “PLUSHGB22” when placing their orders, according to IMAGEN.

IMAGEN isn’t the only Top 40 supplier with a focus on service dogs. Last month, Logomark sponsored its second service dog for training through the Shelter to Soldier nonprofit, which rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service animals for post-9/11 U.S. military combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other psychological injuries associated with service experiences.

IMAGEN Brands ranked as the 26^th-largest supplier by revenue in the promo products industry when Koozie Group acquired the firm in December 2020. Koozie Group was the seventh-largest supplier by revenue at the time. Currently, Koozie Group continues to rank seventh based on 2020 North American promo revenue of $255 million. The new rankings are due out later this month.

While part of Koozie Group, IMAGEN Brands operates production, sales and service independently. The Doniphan, MO-headquartered company sells everything from drinkware and plush products to bags and coolers. IMAGEN has partnerships with retail brands that include Coleman, Rubbermaid and ShedRain.