The Cochrane Activettes are accepting requests for Christmas hampers beginning November 16.

The annual 'Share Your Christmas' Campaign has been running for roughly 38 years and provides down on their luck Cochranites a hamper filled with food, toys, and other essentials for the holidays.

Connie Craig, Cochrane Activettes, Secretary, says they are expecting quantities of hampers to rise this season.

"Last year we helped 191 families, which actually turned out 636 people including kids and adults. This year we think we are going to be about 220 families that we are going to be helping out. We have already had people ask some of our members when can they phone for a hamper."

Craig says community members can now call in and request a hamper for themselves if they are in need. The one thing the Activettes will not do, is surprise a family with a hamper.

"We actually need to talk to the person that needs the hamper we do not want to surprise anybody. So if someone does phone us and wanted to do a hamper, say for their neighbour or somebody they know, we ask them to tell their neighbour or friend to actually call us. There are some people out there who are embarrassed to ask for a hamper and we don't want to make them feel bad."

Cochranites' generosity always shines this time of year; donations of all kinds are warmly welcome, if you are wanting to assist on a larger scale you can also sponsor an entire hamper.

"We will give them a family, we ask them the ages of the kids, and the gender, and what the kids like for toys. We get several people that want to sponsor a family."

Each Christmas Hamper includes a good amount of non perishables, a meat tray or turkey, bread, and a Santa sack of toys if the family has children. This year the hampers will be ready for pick up on December 17, and there is no qualifying process other than being a Cochrane resident.

If you would like to request a hamper you can do so at 403-813-3384.

The Activettes big kick off for accepting donations is Saturday, November 19, at Cochrane Light Up. The Activettes would be thrilled to receive your donation of non perishables, unwrapped toys, gift certificates, or cash to help others this holiday season.