Eastland community members took the plunge into the Community Pool to raise awareness and donate canned goods for the local food bank.

Residents contributed two cans each for the cause, which allows the food pantry to stock up after being mostly depleted during the holidays.

Among the participants was Eastland Mayor Larry Vernon, who shared his experience with the plunge.

“It felt a little nervous going into it,” Mayor Vernon said. “Once I hit it, it was very cold. The water was probably down to 40 degrees, and outside it was 41 degrees, but it felt like 32. Everyone was getting out of the water; you could tell it was cold,” Vernon said. “I was worried about icicles forming, so I changed out of my wet clothes as quickly as I could. I even asked ChatGPT for tips on preparing myself, and it said to get warm as quickly as possible, so I did.”

About 50 people participated in the event, according to the Eastland County Food Pantry.