By Meghan McCormick
The Exchange Club of Norman is offering businesses and employees a chance to use casual Friday as a way to help abused children.
Kelley Grace, of the Exchange Club of Norman, said the sixth annual Casual for a Cause is coming up Sept. 25. Employers are asked to allow their employees to dress casually that day and wear either a T-shirt or bracelet purchased from the Exchange Club.
Grace said funds raised from the merchandise go to support the Center for Children and Families and Avalon Campground, the future site of the Royal Family Kids' Camp. Avalon Campground is in Maysville.
"We hope to raise $5,000," she said.
She said the organization's national cause is the prevention of child abuse.
"In the past, we have given funds to help Bethesda and Mary Abbott Children's House," she said.
Linda Terrell, CCFI executive director, said she is grateful that the agency is one of the recipients of Casual for a Cause.
"We are experiencing less resources to be able to provide services," she said. "We are thrilled that once again the community will come and help us to make sure every boy and girl is safe, nurtured and loved."
Terrell said thanks to the current economic status, CCFI services are needed greatly.
"We are experiencing more complex issues currently with the economic issues of families," she said. "It's intense right now."
Grace said the Exchange Club of Norman was rechartered in May 2004. She was one of the founding members of the Norman organization.
"I became involved in the Exchange Club because I was a member of the Downtown Exchange Club in Oklahoma City," she said.
When Grace relocated to Norman, she was asked to begin an Exchange Club chapter here, she said.
"I was interested in their cause and I thought it would be a good thing to bring to Norman," Grace said.
A cookout is planned for Casual for a Cause participants from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Andrews Park.
"If they wear the shirts or bracelets, the food is free," she said.
Short-sleeved T-shirts cost $10 and people can buy a long-sleeved shirt for $15, Grace said. Bracelets cost $5.
People are welcome to buy T-shirts and bracelets in advance or at the cookout, Grace said.
Anyone who would like to purchase a T-shirt or bracelet may call Grace at 292-2900.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
