LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With temperatures expected to rise next week, people all around Louisville aren't wasting any time soaking in the snow.
As the brutal polar winds plunge ahead, Louisvillians are braving the weather to help one another.
"Our mission is to warm bodies and to warm hearts," Steve Fehder, co-founder of Blanket Louisville said. "Through the businesses, schools, churches and other organizations."
Fehder's organization has tasked itself for decades with keeping those experiencing houslessness warm during the winter. It's one of many groups ramping up efforts as temps dropped this week
"And today we'll be distributing 1,500 to 2,000 blankets," he said. "It's 12 degrees, the sun is shining and it's a blessing that we're able to help others help others."
The subzero temps and snow also brought with it several NTI days for JCPS students earlier this week.
"I actually loved it. I love NTI days," Zoe Englert, a JCPS eight grader, said while out sledding in South Louisville. "Instead of being in school for seven hours, I'll get it done in like two."
Many students, including Zoe and her friends Mariama and JJ are trading in the books for sleds this weekend. For Mariama and JJ, who are sisters, Saturday marked their first time sledding.
"It's fun but it's also scary at the same time," Mariama said. "Because you're going down like really fast. You feel like you're going to fall."
"It was fun, I just feel like if there was a little bit more snow, I'd really get that first time feeling," JJ said.
The first timers were joined on the hill with sledding experts like Aaron, a nine year old boy spending the day with his three sisters and dad.
"Just sled down and have fun," Aaron said.
When asked what the key to a perfect trip down the hill is, Aaron said, "An icy, packed-down snow. And not very many bumps."
But even still, with every bump, comes another memory for families this wintery week.
"Just getting time to hang out, enjoy meals together. you know, especially during busy schedules, you don't really get to sit back and enjoy lunch and breakfast with your kids," Jacob Englert, who came to the park with his daughter Zoe, said. "And then, you know, get outside. We've been out twice this week already."
Temperatures are set to hit the 50s by next week and our best advice: enjoy the sledding and winter weather while you can.
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