Features Editor

Almost all employees look for a reason to "go casual" and what better way than in blue jeans and a tee shirt.

And what better reason than to support the March of Dimes’ efforts to help save babies born too small and too soon?

On Aug. 23, business owners all across the nation will allow and encourage their employees to wear Blue Jeans for Babies in support of the March of Dimes and to building camaraderie among their employees.

Diane Smith, chairperson of the Pike County March of Dimes Community Council, said when a business or company participates in Blue Jeans for Babies Day, they are helping more than 400,000 babies born prematurely each year.

These babies are 13 times more likely to die before their first birthday than full-term babies.

"Those who participate will be giving these babies a chance by helping the March of Dimes fund programs and research aimed toward identifying the causes of premature birth," Smith said.

Participation is easy.

Smith said employers need only to allow their employees to purchase a Blue Jeans for Babies tee shirt or button and join thousands of Alabamians showing their support for healthier babies by wearing the tee shirts and buttons on Friday, Aug. 23 with blue jeans or khakis.

Tee shirts are $12 each, except for sizes XX-Large and above.

Deadline to order is Friday, July 26 and orders may be made by telephone at 566-9575 or 1-800-394-8366.

Blue Jeans for Babies buttons are also available for $5 each and may purchased by calling either number if not contacted by a member of Pike County March of Dimes Community Council.

Smith said company names or logos came be put on the backs of the tee shirts, providing great exposure for a business and demonstrating concern for the community.

The levels of sponsorship are:

· Classic Fit Sponsor $1,000 which includes the company logo on all material sent to a minimum of 6,000 businesses in Lee, Russell, Pike, Crenshaw, Bullock and Montgomery counties. The company logo on the back of the official March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies tee shirt (3,000). The company will be listed in the press releases sent prior to and following the event to local newspapers and radio and television stations. Deadline is July 26, 2002 for printed material.

· Flare Jeans Sponsors $500 which includes company logo on the back of the official

tee shirt and the company listed in local press releases. Deadline is July 26 for shirt back.

· Boot Cut Sponsor $250 includes company logo on the back of the official

tee shirt. Deadline is July 26.

· Low Rider Sponsor $100 includes company name printed on the back of the tee shirt.

Deadline is July 26.

For information on becoming a sponsor call Smith at 566-9575 or 1-800-394-8366.