The employees of Peoples Southern Bank in Clanton wore T-shirts and blue jeans Friday to show their support for the March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Campaign.

Participating employees donated $20 for Alabama- and Auburn-themed T-shirts, and the proceeds went to March of Dimes. In return, they earned the right to dress down Friday.

“Did you know that for every 1,000 babies born in Alabama, more than 10 will die before their first birthday?” said Linda Gross, senior community director for March of Dimes. “That’s why the March of Dimes is working to give every baby a healthy start in life and a fighting chance against birth defects, low birth weight and infant mortality.”

Customers may purchase stuffed animals in order to contribute to the organization. The stuffed animals are available for a $5 donation.

“The Alabama and Auburn bears go fast,” employee Frances Higgins said.

The bank has also raised money through employee luncheons, from which 100 percent of the proceeds go to charity. Thus far, more than $1,000 has been raised.

Anyone wishing to purchase a stuffed animal may stop by the bank Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., or Friday between 8:30 and 5.

For more information, contact Gross at (334) 277-6910.

“On behalf of the March of Dimes, we thank you for helping give more babies a healthy start in life,” Gross said.