Clinton High Cross Country Team to Host 9th Annual ‘Running of the Cans’ Food Drive

The Clinton High School Cross Country team is lacing up their shoes once again for a good cause. From June 16–19, the team will carry on a tradition of service with the 9th Annual Running of the Cans—a student-led food drive to benefit Geraldine’s Kitchen, part of The Open Door Ministries in Clinton.

This meaningful event not only helps restock pantry shelves during a critical time of year but also raises awareness about food insecurity in the community. Geraldine’s Kitchen provides daily meals to those in need, and summer months often bring a strain on resources.

Throughout the week, the team will be collecting canned goods and dry items such as pasta, rice, and beans. The project will culminate on the evening of Thursday, June 19, when student-athletes and coaches will literally run the donations from Clinton High School to Geraldine’s Kitchen—a two-mile journey each way.

“What we can’t carry, we’ll transport by car,” said Coach Lee Atkinson, who leads the team along with Coaches Mary L. Gibbs and Austin Nobles. “But the goal is for the kids to feel the impact of what they’re doing—physically delivering food to help people in their own community. It’s a powerful experience for all of us.”

How to Support the Project

Community members are encouraged to participate in any of the following ways:

1. Contact a Coach – Reach out to Coach Mary L. Gibbs, Coach Austin Nobles, or Coach Lee Atkinson to arrange a time to drop off donations.

2. Give to a Runner – Find a member of the CHS Cross Country team and provide your goods directly to them.

3. Drop Off at Geraldine’s Kitchen – Purchase food and bring it directly to Geraldine’s Kitchen (at The Open Door Ministries), letting them know your donation is part of the Running of the Cans project.

Now in its ninth year, this tradition continues to be a powerful reminder of how student leadership and community involvement can go hand in hand.

For more information or to coordinate a donation, contact one of the coaches listed above. Every can counts. Every act of kindness matters.