Seven-year-old Cy Huggins doesn’t really know what cancer is, but he’s eager to help out families struggling with the disease.

This year, Cy participated in the third annual Freezin’ For a Reason Polar Plunge at Town Beach to raise money for families dealing with cancer.

“We’re trying to instill that, in order for you to live a happy life, you need to help your neighbor. The kids really get it. That’s our whole mission in life – to help other people,” said Cy’s mom Michelle Huggins.

She and her husband Will founded the polar plunge, which draws several hundred people each year – some to take the cold dip in the harbor, some to cheer them on from the shore.

Proceeds from the event will go to families who are struggling financially as a result of the “hidden costs” of cancer. A single trip to Dana Farber can cost $35 in parking, much less the gas money it takes to get to the hospital, said Michelle.

The Huggins have faced such expenses personally as Will has undergone several rounds of treatment for cancer. With the polar plunge, the family wants more people to understand the hardships families face.

“It sucks and it’s hard, but it’s harder if you don’t have any help,” Michelle said.

Thursday’s event was more than a quick jump in the water. Local businesses, such as Turk’s, provided warm food and hot drinks under a heated tent. Strips of fabric, or prayer ties, were handed out at the entrance for people to write down prayers and tie them onto a line along the beach.

A bonfire kept folks warm after the plunge as did an after party at the Inn at Shipyard Park, where a portion of the day’s sales went to the cause.

“It was a really warm way to start the New Year,” Michelle said

There was also a trophy for best-costumed team, and many stepped up to the challenge with creative attire.

“We had so many more teams this year with more costumes,” said Michelle. “It was hysterical. Everyone loved it. They were really getting into it.”

The winning group wore 1980s WrestleMania costumes.

The tally of donations from Thursday’s event is forthcoming, but online donations already total $1815 on www.gofundme.com/FreezinInPoi. For more information on Freazin' for a Reason, visit the Facebook page here.