Polar Bear Plunge will create shivers to help warm up kids

Have you ever seen a winter picture of folks diving into a body of obviously freezing water and wondered what were they thinking?

In St. Joseph this month there’s a purpose for it all. They call their dip into Lake Michigan the Silver Beach Polar Bear Plunge, but they see it as “freezin’ for a reason.”

The event sponsored by the Berrien County Democratic Women will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. As part of the occasion participants and spectators are asked to bring new or gently used winter gear in children’s sizes to be distributed to area school children whose parents can’t afford the winter outerwear. Snow boots, snow pants and waterproof gloves are the items the group hopes to collect.

Berrien County Democratic Women Chair Julee Laurent says the idea came from members of the group who are teachers.

“Some of them were telling us stories about how many of the children they teach have to sit against the wall during recess while the other kids go out play,” Laurent says. “A lot of people are overcoming some tough times and if we can just help provide some of the key clothing items a kid needs to be able to get outside and play with their friends during school — it’s worth a few seconds of hypothermia.”

About 15 people have committed to take the plunge. They will meet at the Silver Beach sign right next to Outpost Sports before their dip into the lake. Afterward, they will gather with area supporters to warm up at the heated patio bar at Silver Beach Pizza till 5:30 p.m.

For those who would like to contribute winter outerwear but who can’t make it to the event, donations can be dropped off at boxes located at the YMCA of Benton Harbor-St. Joe located on Hollywood Road; at South Shore Racquet and Health Club in Stevensville; at Sherwin Williams at 209 State St. in downtown St. Joseph; Brookview School at 555 Zollar Drive in Benton Harbor or at the New Moon Gallery at 70 W. Main at the intersection of Pipestone and Main.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Julee Laurent, Berrien County Democratic Women