Local firefighters are donning pink on the job and around town in an effort to raise awareness and funds for women's cancer research — and the Turlock Journal is challenging others to do the same.

Turlock Fire Fighters 2434 union has launched the second year of its pink campaign and is currently selling specially designed T-shirts. All the proceeds from the T-shirt sales go to the Emanuel Cancer Center and are used for cancer treatment and research.

The Journal is challenging local businesses, nonprofit organizations, church groups, service clubs and families to purchase the benefit T-shirts, take a picture of members wearing the shirts, and send it to the Journal for publication.

The pictures will be published in the Journal throughout the month of October — and each organization that submits a photo will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate from Sweet River Grill & Bar.

Last year, the firefighters’ pink T-shirt campaign was a huge hit in Turlock, helping spread awareness and generating more than $18,000 for Emanuel Cancer Center.

“This year we are hoping to at least hit $20,000,” said Turlock Fire Department Capt. Frank Saldivar, who is spearheading the firefighter’s campaign.

This year’s T-shirt features a slightly different design and shade of pink, but still carries the signature pink hose reminiscent of the symbolic pink ribbon.

The shirts sell for $15 and come in sizes and styles for men, women and children.

The T-shirts can be pre-ordered online at turlockfirefighters.org. The shirts will also be sold at the gift shop at Emanuel Medical Center at 825 Delbon Ave., or at the Turlock Farmers’ Market on Broadway every Friday through the end of October. Firefighters will also be selling the T-shirts at a series of special events in October.

The Journal will start accepting pink photos immediately. To submit a picture, email it to khacker@turlockjournal.com. Please include the name of business or organization and contact info for the raffle.