Polk County’s India Branham, right, clears a hurdle at the Reindeer Games track and field meet. Alongside Branham is a hurdler from Mitchell County High School. Times, heights and distances in the various events count toward state qualifying. Those attending the meet were encouraged to wear costumes or items appropriate to Christmas.

Polk County varsity head coach Alan Peoples was dressed appropriately for the Reindeer Games, held Wednesday, Dec. 16. Held yearly, the games provide students and their families a way to give to the hungry in our community. The price of admission to participate and to watch are cans of food, later donated to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry for distribution. According to Peoples’ estimate, 2,600 cans were collected, with 1,800 of them from PCHS.