One of Iola’s longest standing Christmas traditions will get a cold twist this weekend.
In an effort to provide even more gifts as part of their Christmas food basket, the Iola Elks Lodge is hosting a “Polar Plunge” at 2 p.m. Saturday at Elks Lake south of Iola.
The plunge is open to any donor willing to brave the chilly lake waters. Organizers are requesting a $100 donation for those who do.
Proceeds will go toward purchasing food or toys for the family gift baskets the Elks provide each Christmas.
If tradition holds, the effort will benefit up to 40 families, said Christina Ramirez, exalted ruler of the Iola Elks.
“One of the things we’ve noticed is many of the families we help have children,” Ramirez said. “And while the kids are always excited when we pull up to see we have food, it’d be even better if we could add toys or other gifts to the baskets.”
Compared to other polar plunges that typically take place in the dead of winter in ice-cold water, Saturday’s venture should be relatively balmy.
Forecasts call for a slight chance of showers Saturday, but with temperatures 60 or above.
“But that won’t make the water much warmer,” Ramirez warned. “I dipped my toes in the water on Halloween and it was plenty cold then.”
To ensure the plungers’ safety, local firefighters and ambulance personnel will be on hand.
The Elks also will have a heated changing room for the plungers to put on dry clothing immediately after their dip in the water.
She’ll also have hot chocolate or other warm drinks available.
Ramirez and Michelle Shapel, widow of the late Jason Shapel, will be among those taking the plunge.
“I was foolish enough to tell people I’d do the plunge if we raised at least $1,000,” Ramirez said. “I figured there was no way people would pay $100 in order to jump in cold water. Instead, they had that much raised by our first afternoon.”
As of Tuesday evening, 22 plungers had registered.
Others can Register by calling Ramirez at 363-2630 or by visiting the Elks Lodge, 5 O’Clock Somewhere or Scooters to pick up a form.
Advance registration is necessary in order to provide T-shirts for all of the plungers, Ramirez said, although sign-up will be extended to the time of the event.
“We want people to be able to collect donations right up until it’s time to jump in the water,” Ramirez said.
The fun will continue Saturday evening with the inaugural Jason Shapel Memorial Party at the Elks Lodge, 202 S. Jefferson Ave.
Jason Shapel was an Elk who died in July.
The evening event, too, is open to the public. The entry fee is a new, unwrapped $10 toy.
Those toys will be added to the gift baskets.
Icy plunge to spread warmth
