Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 24, 2007

RANKIN INLET - The RCMP's Christmas Hamper received a boost from some of Rankin Inlet's more youthful citizens this past month.

The annual project is run by the Rankin detachment of the RCMP in conjunction with members of the local volunteer fire brigade.

Cpl. Gerald Ouellet accepts a $100 donation to the RCMP Christmas Hamper program from Grade 3 students Louie Okalik, Keith Sharp, Ashley Ningeocheak and Ethan Makpah, from left, at Leo Ussak elementary school in Rankin Inlet this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The Grade 3 students at Leo Ussak elementary school have been taking advantage of the community's recycling program to help out charitable causes in their community.

After donating $100 to the Deacon's Cupboard food bank the previous month, the students turned in another 1,065 cans and used the proceeds to donate $100 to the Christmas Hamper program.

Grade 3 teacher Amanda McLarty said all the teachers and staff at the school are proud of the students.

She said the kids have kept up their enthusiasm for the project since the day it began.

"After we made the donation to the Deacon's Cupboard, the students were given a choice between three different charitable projects or organizations in the community and they voted for the RCMP Christmas Hamper," said McLarty.

"The recycling program runs until March, so, if the kids keep bringing in the cans, hopefully we'll be able to help at least one more organization in the new year."

McLarty said the Grade 3 teachers have noticed a definite improvement in the students' math skills since they became involved in the recycling project.

She said the kids have also learned how to work as a team and have a better understanding of some of the organizations that help people out in their community.

"They do this assembly-line routine to crush the cans and wash them out and they don't need instruction from their teachers anymore.

"It's good to see them know how to set that up by themselves, and run the operation with everyone doing their share and co-operating.

"It's also been nice to see them develop a better awareness of their community and really get into the spirit of helping out.

"They're proud to know the cans they've collected have helped do something good for their community."