A cornerstone of the Academy Sports + Outdoors philosophy is active community support and grassroots involvement. To support this mission, the sporting goods company donated bikes and helmets on Dec. 21 to 30 deserving Kennesaw Elementary School students.

The purpose of Academy’s annual bike donation is to provide local schools with an opportunity to reward children during the holidays with bikes and helmets for perfect attendance, academic performance, good behavior, and/or need.

“We are committed to giving back to communities, and these bike donations fit with Academy’s active-minded philosophy by rewarding kids with gifts that allow them to get outside and be active,” said Gene Jacobs, Academy Sports + Outdoors Kennesaw store director.

Being the 15th anniversary of this program, the program occurred throughout December across the store’s 16-state footprint and benefited more than 4,700 boys and girls at over 140 separate donation events.

“We have a long history of giving back to local communities. This event solidifies our commitment to our associates, customers and the local communities where we do business,” added Jacobs.

In other news: High school junior Cory Jerls delivered more than 100 handmade baby blankets to Northside Hospital- Cherokee's neonatal intensive care unit to be given to families who suffer the loss of a child. The project, "Angel Babies," was his service project to earn an Eagle Scout badge. He was inspired by family friends who have suffered the loss of a baby and wanted to dedicate his energy towards a project that could console grieving families, ensuring they don't leave the hospital empty handed.

Also: Creekland Middle School students, staff and families collected more than $8,925 to benefit the Tennessee fires relief fund. The 1,500-student school held a "Wacky Wednesday" dress-up day, with students and staff invited to participate if they made a donation of at least $1 to the Gatlinburg & Sevier County Relief Fund. Creekland Middle School is in Cherokee County.