The Inmate Activities Committee at SCI Mercer hosted its 5th annual Polar Bear Walk on Feb. 15. Forty-two participants walked nine laps on the brisk 18-degree morning, then came back into the gym for coffee, hot chocolate, coffee cake and a presentation on homelessness from Mr. Lasch, a current resident at Joshua's Haven, and Chaz Rice, the director of Joshua's Haven.
The event raised $500 for the shelter.
Joshua's Haven, located in Sharon, provides on-site temporary, emergency shelter for homeless men in the community. Once they have met all clearances, they are offered a clean, safe environment where they can sleep, take a shower, get a hot meal and take advantage of supportive and spiritual services at the mission. The men's ministry staff and resident assistants are on site during all the hours of operation. They offer a bread program that gives free bread and other small items to those in need every Saturday and Sunday. The donation money will go towards sheltering and providing food for the homeless men.
Rice and Lasch, from Joshua's Haven, where present to accept the donation.