Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Nov 14/01) - It is the time of year when the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP asks the community to help those who are less fortunate.

To that end, the detachment is launching its annual Christmas Hamper drive.

Sgt. Tom Kasdorf, back left, community constable John Ussak, back right, and regular force constables Mario Vachon, front right, and James Peck are leading the charge to get residents to sponsor a family for this year's Christmas Hamper drive. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Sgt. Tom Kasdorf says Rankin members enjoy being involved. The Christmas drive, he says, provides an opportunity for officers to be out and active in the community.

"The Christmas Hamper program gives our guys a chance to meet people on a different level than what they might be ordinarily accustomed to and we feel good doing something for the community," says Kasdorf.

"It shows the officers in a positive light and allows them to meet people in the community who may not have many dealings with us as a police force."

As in past years, the detachment has purchased a number of Rubbermaid containers and compiled a list of families who could use a little extra help this Christmas.

The RCMP are also issuing a challenge to all individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies in town to step forward and sponsor local families.

The rubber containers are used to hold donated non-perishable food items and toys. Sponsors pick up their container at the detachment and return it once it's filled.

Some suggested items to be placed in a hamper include turkey, char, tea, coffee, fresh or instant mashed potatoes and Stove Top stuffing.

In addition to organizing the drive and delivering the hampers, the Rankin RCMP will also sponsor a number of families.

"We pick up the slack, depending on how many families we have. We also accept cash donations, which we use to support not only Rankin, but other communities we police such as Whale Cove and Chesterfield Inlet," says Kasdorf.

"We also donate to the elder and youth Christmas dinners with those monies and use it to supplement gifts for kids in the various families we help."