Mark your calendar as Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area is gearing up for their bi-annual food drive April 29.

Donations collected from the food drive help keep the shelves stocked at the local food bank from season to season.

Jackie Shier, Helping Hands Society, Executive Director, says while they are always thankful for donations they would love to see the number of contributing houses rise.

"We get one in three houses that donate and we would love to see one in two donate that would be awesome. If everyone was able to just give just one or two small items that would be a big help."

Shier, adds that 90% of the food donations from the food drive will help fill the shelves again for roughly six months but with a lagging economy supply could be depleted sooner.

"Demand is still way up, from 2015 to 2016 they saw an increase of demand for hampers of 53%. People are still hurting and families still need help so we would love the generous people of Cochrane to help out again."

If you are wondering the best things to donate, Shier, shares protein, protein, protein.

"That is the most expensive thing to buy so if they're going to take something off their grocery list it's often that. Canned meats, canned fish, peanut butter would be much appreciated. They are always in need of school safe snacks so granola bars, apple sauce, fruit cups. Canned vegetables and fruit are always a great idea."

Keep an eye on expiry dates and remember to have donations on the doorstep by 10 a.m.

Volunteers are key in making the food drive a success; with normally 550 volunteers collecting and sorting, Shier is hopeful just as many or more, will help out. If so, Cochrane will be able to help out many families in need.

For more information or to volunteer, go here.