Lee Jeans and Great Clips sponsored the 10th annual National Denim Day on Friday.

Great Clips, 2587 Sycamore Road, participated on Friday in the event, a benefit for breast cancer.

“Each employee wanting to wear jeans made a donation of $5 or more for the cause,” said Ellen Kebling, a Great Clips stylist.

Employees from businesses all over the country wear jeans on this day as a way to show their support and help raise money for women with breast cancer, she said.

The money raised is given to organizations working with breast cancer patients.

According to the National Denim Day Web site, all proceeds go directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

Customers from participating businesses were also encouraged to help the cause.

Some Great Clips customers were unaware of the event.

“I haven’t heard of any other businesses doing this, and I didn’t even know of the event until now,” said Mary Kate McMillan, a Sycamore resident and Great Clips customer. “But it’s always good to help out.”

Some thought more publicity was needed.

“I have never heard of National Denim Day,” Sycamore resident Chris Holm said. “Maybe more publicity will make for a better turnout.”

Many companies, including Great Clips, require dress guidelines for their staff on a normal basis.

“Our regular customers know we don’t normally wear jeans,” Kebling said.

Customers notice the different outfit and tell others and this is a way to spread the word, she said.

Although National Denim Day was Friday, donations are still being accepted at www.denimday.com.