Mother Nature was kind to the Shaler residents who participated in the annual Polar Plunge on May 14 at the Crawford Pool in Kiwanis Park.
The warm and sunny day helped those jumping into the chilly waters.
Each person who participated paid a $3 fee, but was rewarded with free hot chocolate, coffee, tea or a fountain drink at the Shaler Shack.
The money raised will benefit the Shaler Area School District Backpack Initiative, a program established in 2014 for students in the district who may need assistance with weekend food supplies.
Longtime resident Linda Kaiser, who describes herself as “a little bit of a daredevil,” was in line before the pool opened for the event, waiting to get a chance to jump in with some of her fellow residents.
“I think it’s a good thing to participate when the community holds these types of events,” Kaiser said. “I’ve been going to that pool for 55 years. We have a great group of people (that gather there). We’ve been getting together there since our kids were in the baby pool.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day with the weather,” said Shaler Township’s assistant manager Judith Kording.
More than $300 was raised for the Backpack Initiative.
