by Marty Brown
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 13/96) - For four years inmates at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre have been giving Santa a helping hand.

They've been recycling donated toys throughout the North with a little help from their friends at the Department of National Defence.

"It's a positive thing for inmates to give back to the community," said John Nahanni, the institution's recreation supervisor.

People have been dropping used or new toys off at YCC for a few weeks now. Stuffed toys, toy soldiers, dolls, trucks and Sesame Street figures then go to Santa's workshop where the toys get sorted, refurbished, wrapped and, in some cases, labelled by 20 volunteer inmates.

Sometimes Christmas music is piped in to put Santa's helpers in the mood.

"Everybody in here is human, they have families back home. They're sad at Christmas but this can and does make the inmates feel better," said Nahanni.

The institution has been getting wish lists from nursing stations for kids in their communities.

The inmates try to fill them with the donated toys but there hasn't been as many toys this year.

Nahanni thinks it could have something to do with the sagging economy.

"But we're thankful for what we got," he said. As countdown to Christmas fast approaches, elves everywhere are hurrying to fill orders. The guys at YCC aren't any different.