As of late, locals’ Facebook feeds have been full of people taking what’s called the 24-hour cold water challenge or the polar plunge.

Don’t worry, your friends haven’t lost their minds, or at least they’re diving into pools for a good cause – to raise awareness for freshwater drinking water wells in Africa.

They have joined locals from across the country who have taken the challenge.

Catherine Hammett is one local who participated.

“Well, you know me, and I don’t easily turn down a challenge,” Hammett quipped. “It’s for a good cause and to be cold for five minutes compared to what it could benefit for others to have clean water to drink is a small sacrifice.”

Debbie Marcum also participated and described the plunge.

“I did it last week on a night that it had been raining, so it was really cold even getting out of the water,” she said. “The plunge takes your breath away. It is so cold and all you can think about it getting to the ladder to get out.”

The challenge is simple: Jump into a pool, creek, river or have someone pour ice-cold water over your head. Then give a monetary gift to Marcelly’s Dream. In most cases, those being challenged are asked to donate $10.

Marcelly’s Dream comes from the 7-year-old daughter of missionaries Max and Debbie Thompson. The Thompsons were seeking direction for a new place of ministry, and were awakened by their adopted daughter, Marcelly, who said she had been given a vision of Jesus telling her she would preach the gospel to children in Africa.

Now, the Thompsons are directors of an orphanage in Liberia, Africa.

The Marcelly’s Dream project is four-fold: word, water, walls and wellness.

With goals of placing a Bible in the hand of every orphan; providing and maintaining a safe water supply; revitalizing and building structures; and providing holistic care for children and caregivers in each orphanage area served.

For more information or to donate to Marcelly’s Dream, visit www.marcellysdream.org.