Companies Pfizer, The Office Depot reach out to unemployed with special offers

There's a silver lining on the gray financial cloud that's hit the U.S. job market: A number of companies have launched programs to help the unemployed afford their products.

Locally, TimeOut New York reported last month that New York Underground Fitness, a gym located in Midtown Manhattan, is offering free gym access for patrons who can show proof that they lost their jobs.