MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Delicious food is just one part of the holidays, and baking is usually a staple during family gatherings. Many military members at the Minot Air Force Base are away from home. The Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) is getting ready to help bake up some holiday cheer with its annual Team Minot Cookie Drive. "It feels good to be able to give back to our airmen. We want them to know our community cares," explained Workforce Development and Military Liaison for MACEDC, Keli Rosselli-Sullivan. "Team Minot is part of our community, and that's one of many ways that we show our appreciation to them." The cookies will be distributed to first-term airmen ages 18-20 who live in the dorms on base — and this could be the first time they have been away from family during the holidays. Baking these cookies is just a small thing the Minot community can do to show their appreciation to the men and women serving our country. "While the act of delivering a cookie may seem like a small gesture, it's the love and appreciation that comes with that cookie that warms the entire base this holiday season," said 5th Bomb Wing Commander, Colonel Jesse Lamarand. "Many thanks to our community volunteers, military spouses, and First Sergeants for making this holiday magic happen." City of Minot offers free disposal of extra trash and trees at landfill The baked goods will also be brought to airmen who are stationed at 91st Missile Wing Missile Alert Facilities, as they are deployed for a week at a time to keep Minuteman missiles on alert and defend the nation. "This is not normal. Cookies from our community is above and beyond a level of magic City support that is not seen at any other installation," added 91st Missile Wing Commander, Colonel Jimmy Schlabach. "It's a wonderful gesture. This beautiful Minot tradition is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to be serving our nation in such a special place." MACEDC Board Chair member Cassidy Hjelmstad stated, "Minot Air Force Base is such a crucial part of our community. They're our friends and neighbors, and many of them are thousands of miles away from home. It's important that we continue to be welcoming and exemplify the true magic of the Minot area, and what better time to do so than during the holidays? We want them to know that we're thankful for everything that they do, and we're glad to have them here." Anyone who wants to join the fun can, and the drop-off days will be on December 16 and 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MACEDC office (1020 20th Ave SW). If you have access to the base, you can drop cookies off at the Jimmy Doolittle Center (174 Summit Dr) on the same days. Cookies need to be in disposable packaging and have a number count. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW