RANKIN INLET - The annual RCMP and Volunteer Firefighter Christmas Hamper food drive in Rankin Inlet had a record year for donations in 2008.

RCMP Cpl. Gerald Ouellet said the Hamper raised about $16,000 during Christmas of 2007 and this year's target was set for $20,000.

RCMP Cpl. Gerald Ouelett, left, and fire Chief Alan Stebbing accept a donation of $840 for the RCMP-Volunteer Firefighters Christmas Hamper food drive from Cathy Peyer, second from left, and Ellen Hatlevik on behalf of the Christmas Craft and Bake Sale in Rankin Inlet earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

He said that objective has been met, and then some.

"The Hamper drive has been absolutely awesome this year," said Ouelett.

"We've actually raised $30,000, which is incredible for a town this size.

"Raising that amount of money shows the vast majority of people in Rankin are good, caring folks."

Ouelett said an increasing number of organizations, including local schools, have been holding special events and donating the proceeds to the Hamper.

He said that's added a nice boost to the Hamper during the past two years.

"When you look at how much the Hamper has grown during the past couple of years, it shows people are realizing it's a good way to give back to the community.

"It's also a good way for the schools to teach kids that it's good to give, not just receive, and be in the spirit of the holiday season."

Ouelett said the RCMP and firefighters keep their list of who receives a Christmas Hamper each year.

He said some people phone in and ask to be put on the list, while others call and submit a family name they feel should be included.

"The first priority is given to elders and families who don't have anyone working.

"The second priority is families who only have one person working, or who rely on seasonal or part-time work.

"The Hamper is set up so those receiving a helping hand can use it the Northern store or Co-op.

"The money can only be used on food items and children's toys, and can't be spent on tobacco or anything of that nature."

Ellen Hatlevik is a sale director for Mary Kay Cosmetics in Rankin Inlet.

She and Cathy Peyer of Service Canada organized this year's Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, which has donated to the Hamper for years.

"We held the event on Dec. 7 at the community centre, and every $20 in table fees we collected went towards the RCMP and Volunteer Firefighters Christmas Hamper food drive," said Hatlevik.

"The organizers of the bake sale have been doing this for many years and we're always happy to help out in our own small way.

"The community may not realize it, but we don't just hold the bake sale so people can make money.

"We hold the event to raise funds to help out with such a worthy cause as the Christmas Hamper, which is a project that plays a vital role in our overall sense of community."