By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Chairman Chuck Kelly said 300 “Save SLPC” T-shirts were sold before the Seaway Festival Parade.

"We nearly sold out on the first day," Kelly said. "We have ordered more and people can request a shirt at city hall."

The T-shirts went on sale Friday for $10 as the group's latest effort in rallying public support for its cause.

The task force also gave away 500 “Save SLPC” yard signs.”

Proceeds from the shirt sales will be used to offset costs and to raise funds to continue to promote the Task Force’s efforts to preserve quality care and jobs at the facility.

The task force is calling on the state to make SLPC a "Regional Center of Excellence," after an announcement that six wards would be closed at the facility by 2017.

"We were very pleased that we sold all of the shirts. I think it shows there is a real interest from the community and that people are waking up," Kelly said.

Kelly said he would like the community to write letters to their state representatives and local media outlets to show support.

"There are a lot of people out their with great personal stories to share," he said. "We need more letters and more people contacting their elected officials."

Kelly said closing the wards will cost St. Lawrence County economically and socially when jobs and inpatient care are moved out of the area.