The first Helping Hands spring food drive in support of the Cochrane Activettes was a huge success.

Volunteers made up of small cohorts and families spent their Saturday morning visiting homes in Cochrane's West Side neighbourhoods and in turn, they received very generous food donations for the food bank.

Helping Hands Executive Director, Chairra Nicolle says they'll be doing it again in a few weeks.

"On June 12th we'll be hitting up the East End of Cochrane," says Nicolle. "GlenEagles, Riverview, east and Central Cochrane."

Despite the heightened COVID-19 restrictions in place, Helping Hands has amped up its safety protocols, to make for a safe, COVID compliant collection and keep the food bank well stocked.

"Keeping our distance and following all the COVID protocols," says Nicolle. "Keeping our collection team to cohorts or families -- we're making sure we're following all of those rules to make sure that we're keeping the food bank stocked up and keeping hampers flowing out into the community for those who need it."

Nicolle says that the food drives are "an excellent opportunity for the whole family to volunteer and give back" and the time commitment is minimal.

"We'll be moving around in the communities from about 10 [a.m.] until about 11:30, depending on how quickly the routed go," says Nicolle.

If you and your family are interested in volunteering for the upcoming food drive, you can contact Helping Hands here.