The t-shirts convey messages of hope and resilience in the face of economic strife.

One shirt says "michican."

The other shirt says "Don't Mess with the Mitten" and comes in two versions -- one with a geographically accurate rendering of the Great Lakes State and the other representing the state as a boxing glove.

The shirts are being marketed by Lisa Burnia and Terri O'Brien, two local women who want to help unemployed Michiganders. A portion of the proceeds from shirt sales are being donated to three local charitable organizations: Bridgepointe, Gleaners and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

Images of the shirts, a press release, and information on purchasing or selling the shirts is available at www.yesmichican.com