Clinton High Cross-Country Team Doing More Than Running
July 5, 2021
Even a summer downpour couldn’t stop the Clinton High School Cross Country team from completing the 5th annual “running of the cans.”
The event started in 2017 when coach Lee Atkinson got the idea after running by Geraldine’s Kitchen and the Open Door. The team passes by frequently as it’s part of one of their routes. “I wasn’t sure if the kids were aware of the mission work of Geraldine’s Kitchen and the Open Door,” said Atkinson. “We needed a service project, and this seemed like a great opportunity for the kids to work together for the benefit of those in need.”
Hunger doesn’t go on vacation. The local community contributes canned goods heavily around the holidays but there is not any emphasis during the summer.
That’s where the CHS Cross Country team steps in (or runs in).
This year’s “running of the cans” was a great success with a total of 31 kids participating. The run took place on Thursday, July 1st. The kids ran the 2.5 miles from Clinton High School to the Open Door with a can in each hand. A car accompanied the runners bringing the remaining donations. This year they collected 326 cans for the mission. After a team photo, it was a quick run back to the school.
Over the past five years, the CHS Cross Country team has donated more than 1500 cans. The plan is to continue the food drive every summer.
Keep on running kids!
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