HONESDALE, Pa. — This is the 22nd year for Michael G. Stanton's annual fundraiser on Main Street, where he showers in his boxers on the streets of Honesdale to raise money for the Wayne County Children's Christmas Bureau.
Stanton has taken this shower in wind, rain, and snow, but this coming Saturday, he hopes, will be a warm one. His goal is to raise as much money as possible; two years ago, he raised $40,000 and is looking for a record-breaking year.
Stanton says he's living out his childhood dream, which is far from ordinary.
"When I was 12 years old, I wanted to take a shower across the street from Mermelstein's on Route 6 in Mayfield, and then that didn't happen," he said.
Until a need to raise funds for the Wayne County Christmas Bureau came along 22 years ago.
Bill O'Neill, the vice president of the Wayne County Children's Christmas Bureau, says Stanton is stopping people in their paths for the spectacle and to collect donations to make Christmas happen, with toys for children and a lot more.
"For almost 200 families with Christmas trees, Christmas dinner—so that's where the money goes, so the money stays local, and it's all volunteers," O'Neill said. "As far as making dreams come true, we love helping Mike achieve his dream of showering in public."
Their goal is to make this year the biggest year of giving yet, with a goal of $50,000 to help with the increased costs of Christmas supplies.
"We've had a slight increase of families this year—I think there's ten extra—but the cost of everything is so much that we have upped the spending on each family,"
Organizers hope to have the funds to give every child in Wayne County a positive Christmas experience, even if it means freezing outside in Santa swim trunks.
"They should not have a bad Christmas, so this is just why I will stand outside in the freezing cold because I could go into a warm house when I'm done," Stanton added.
To see him in action, you can join Stanton at the Fred Miller Pavilion on Main St. in Honesdale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.