For anyone who would like to bake and donate cookies, the drop-off days are Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the chamber office at 1020 20th Ave. SW, according to chamber information.

Cookies must be placed in disposable packaging and include a numbered count. Those with access to Minot AFB can drop off cookies at the Jimmy Doolittle Center Monday and Tuesday. Last year between the base and community more than 11,000 cookies were delivered to military personnel.

“It feels good to be able to give back to our airmen. We want them to know our community cares. Team Minot is part of our community, and that’s one of many ways that we show our appreciation to them,” said Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Workforce Development-Military Liaison with the Minot Area Chamber EDC.

Baking cookies is one small way the Minot area can show its appreciation to the men and women serving our country.

Submitted Photo Bakers from the Minot community and Minot Air Force Base donate cookies for the annual Team Minot Cookie Drive. Cookies can be dropped off Monday and Tuesday at the Minot Area Chamber EDC office.

The collected cookies are distributed to first-term airmen between the ages of 18-20 who live in the dorms at Minot AFB. These personnel are required to live in the dorms, and it could be the first time they have been away from family for the holidays. The cookies are packaged at the base and then distributed to airmen.

“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. Many thanks to our community volunteers, military spouses and First Sergeants for making this holiday magic happen,” said Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander.

Additionally, the baked goods have been brought to airmen at the 91st Missile Wing’s Missile Alert Facilities in the Minot missile field.

“This is not normal. Cookies from our community are above and beyond a level of Magic City support that is not seen at any other installation. 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,” said Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander.

“Minot Air Force Base is such a crucial part of our community,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, chamber 2024 Board chair. “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.”