While many in town might visit the beach to cool off on a hot summer day, the employees of Cape Cod Five Savings Bank in Wareham took a different approach Thursday. They dumped buckets of ice water over their heads.

It may seem crazy to the uninitiated, but the chilling act is part of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that is taking the nation by storm. The challenge, which has spread like wildfire via social media, asks people to make a donation to fight ALS or pour a bucket of water over their head, or both. The person then nominates others to do the same within 24 hours.

"It's such a great cause," said Chris Richards regional manager at Wareham Cape Cod Five. "It's terrific to see social media raise so much awareness and money."

According to the ALS Association, between July 29 and Aug. 12, the ALS Association and its 38 chapters have received $4 million, compared to $1.12 million over the same period last year. ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

Wareham took on the challenge after senior officers at Cape Cod Five Savings Bank doused themselves in ice water yesterday and nominated all 400 company employees to do the same.

Cape Cod Five Savings bank donated $1,000 to the ALS Family Charitable Foundation in Buzzards Bay and is donating $5 for each additional employee who takes the plunge.

Eleven employees from the Wareham branch gathered outside the bank at 10 Rosebrook Way Thursday afternoon in front of buckets that spelled out "Drown Out ALS."

The Wareham branch nominated Wareham Ford, Robertson's Auto Salvage, and Roger's and Gray Insurance (next door neighbors to Cape Cod Five at Rosebrook Way) and gave them 24 hours to accept the challenge.

"I feel invigorated, it was a lot of fun," Richards said afterwards in his soaking wet business attire. "I think everyone enjoyed it."