THE DALLES, Ore. - A 101-year-old has his independence back, thanks to some KATU viewers who stepped in to help him out.

The story began a few weeks ago when thieves stole a scooter from Carl Kramer's garage.  Since then, he has not been able to get to the senior center where he enjoys spending time with friends.

Carl had saved up $1,200 to buy his old scooter, but to him, his independence was priceless.

"I could buy another scooter, it would make my bank account look mighty sick," said Kramer. "The fact of the matter is I don't think people should beg as long as they can help themselves."

A family in North Bonneville saw his story and thought they could help.  They had a Rascal 600 scooter they had purchased for a loved one, who became too ill to use it.  So they decided to give the scooter to Kramer.

And Kramer couldn't be happier.  His new Rascal scooter is at least twice as expensive as the scooter he had, but with more features.

"You put your beer here," he said, pointing to a nifty cup holder on the arm.

Three other families volunteered to donate scooters to Carl along with others who volunteered to donate money. The senior center on the Longbeach peninsula even offered to give him a scooter.