The Cochrane Activettes are on a mission leading into the holiday season.

The Activettes run the Cochrane Food Bank and are dedicated to helping those less fortunate in our community with this year's "Share Your Christmas".

President of the Cochrane Activettes Jan Tracy says the society packed 269 Christmas hampers for local residents in need last year, which in turn helped over one thousand people during the festive season.

Tracy says "We give them enough for a month including a turkey or meat tray, canned ham, all the fixings, cranberry sauce and all that kind of stuff plus all the staples."

They don't just pack food into the hampers they also give out toys and refurbished bikes.

Tracy says they don't typically receive as many presents for teenagers, so they're starting a new program this year called "The 12 Days of Share Your Christmas" and it's geared toward gifts for teens.

Tracy says there's a real need for some specific items for older children and teens. 

She says "make up kits for young teenage girls, shaving kits for teenage boys, hoodies, sweaters, gift certificates for a haircut or a taxi ride because sometimes they can't get around so easily, gift certificates for places they can eat at for lunch time."

Tracy says they will have about 50 collection boxes set out throughout Cochrane for people to make donations.

A list of specific items that are needed is listed on their website. 

If your family is in need of a Christmas hamper you're encouraged to call 587-572-9884 by December 15th.