Holly Pond T-Shirt

When Cullman and Holly Pond head to Tennessee for their respective Christmas showcases, they’ll be doing more than just trying to claim a few wins on the basketball court.

Along with bringing a competitive spirit, both programs will also be representing Cullman County in a neighborly way.

The Bearcat and Bronco boys are scheduled to compete in the Kings of the Smokies Tournament at Pigeon Forge High, while the Lady Cats travel just up the road to Sevierville High for the Queens of the Smokies Tournament.

Before they suit up, though, they’ll each hand out checks to their respective hosts, which will go toward the many victims of the devastating wildfires that have taken place in the area over the past two weeks.

Each school will arrive on Dec. 27 in hopes of doing their part — whatever it may be — in helping out those less fortunate than themselves.

“We all felt like it would be a sign of good will,” said Cullman girls coach Josh Hembree. “People are looking to give around Christmastime to others. We wanted to get some money raised and present it to them from Cullman High School. 

“Several teachers have come up to me and wanted to give X amount of dollars or some gift cards. It’s an opportunity to be a good neighbor, help out families who’ve lost their homes to fires and floods. We want to distribute that money to them and let them use it as needed.”

Hembree added that the school will take donations late into next week and that all contributions welcome.

“Several clubs and teams and organizations have already stepped up and given money,” he said. “It’s been pretty cool to see. Anyone who wants to help out can contact the school or me or coach (Bobby) Meyer. However they see fit.”

Holly Pond coach Mitch Morris wasted little time springing into action shortly after the fires began to spread.

The longtime Green and White head man placed a call to Pigeon Forge’s coach to check on their situation and ask if there was anything he could do or provide during the rough time.

“Some of his players and several teachers had lost their homes,” Morris said. “When we found out, my wife Charese and I got together and came up with some things we could do to help.”

Their main fundraiser came via a T-shirt, which was sold throughout the school system, with funds going directly to a check destined for the victims up north.

The shirt reads: Holly Pond Broncos love the Smokies. “Love” is represented by a heart-shaped basketball.

“It’s something we really wanted to do for them,” Morris said. “We’ll give them that money on the first day and hope they can use it for every and anything they need.”