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RANKIN INLET - About 200 people in Rankin Inlet will receive their Christmas liquor in bags carrying a very special message this holiday season.

The bags were designed by Grade 5 and Grade 6 students at Simon Alaittuq school in Rankin.

They carry a variety of drawings and printed messages the students hope will help keep their community safe for everyone during the holidays.

RCMP Const. Joseph Benedet said this is the second year in a row the local detachment of the RCMP has partnered with the school and the Nunavut government to deliver the program.

He said the kids decorated about 200 brown paper bags that deliver a serious message about safety and responsibility when using alcohol during the Christmas season.

"The bags have hand-drawn pictures and state slogans or messages like 'please drink responsibility,' or 'please don't drink and drive this Christmas season,'" said Benedet.

"The bags have been sent to Iqaluit, and when people purchase liquor, the bottle will come back to Rankin Inlet inside one of the special bags.

"I've definitely heard from people in the community who sincerely appreciate this awareness campaign we began with the kids during Christmas of 2007."

Benedet said the local RCMP officers who have been involved with the project get a strong sense of the kids really understanding the concept behind the program.

He said the students aren't just having fun colouring a bunch of bags.

"Having fun is, of course, part of it, but they realize the message we're trying to get out to the community.

"Some realize it more than others.

"Many of these kids, at some point, have had the unfortunate opportunity to observe the negative effects of alcohol.

"The kids did a great job while working on the project, and they really like the fact they're making a positive contribution to the community this Christmas."