The shelves at the High River Foodbank are getting emptied fast these days so Thursday's Charity Checkstop is even more important than usual.

Two years ago High River outdid our bigger neighbour to the North when it came to donating at the annual Christmas Charity Check-Stop.

Last year Okotoks won the battle, but with the third annual Charity Check-Stop set for Thursday in High River, it's our chance to get back on top.

RCMP Sergeant Brent Hawker says he'd like to see it happen.

"Certainly we have a friendly rivalry between the two detachments, but Okotoks is a considerably larger community, so you'd think more money would be donated in a larger community. But, we're just hoping that all charities can benefit from all the monies raised by both detachments. Yeah, we do have a friendly rivalry, but the most important part is we're able to give back to the community."

The Mounties, along with the High River Fire Department, EMS and others will be on Centre Street between 4th and 5th Avenues from 1-to-4 P.M. Thursday afternoon collecting cash and food bank donations.

They'll take cash, gift cards or non-perishable food items.

They'll also have hot chocolate and candy canes on hand for everyone passing by.

Hawker says all the money and food raised here, stays here.