RANKIN INLET - Students from Leo Ussak Elementary School in Rankin Inlet are lifting their voices in the spirit of giving this month.

The students are travelling around the community singing Christmas carols, drum dancing and throat singing in support of the RCMP's annual Christmas Hamper food drive.

The kids are also visiting a handful of elders to brighten their day with a little holiday spirit.

School principal Tyrone Power starting the carolling program in 2008 as a way to support the food drive.

The carollers raised almost $1,000 in cash and food donations this past year, and Power hopes to top that figure with this month's effort.

"The program was very successful last year and the students really enjoyed taking part in it," said Power.

"We added a traditional component to the show this year with throat singers and drum dancers performing with the carollers.

"Visiting a group of randomly selected elders at their residence is another new wrinkle we put in this year.

"We'll be dropping some cookies off to them and, hopefully, brighten up their day a bit, especially any of them who may not be able to get out of their house all that much."

The event was scheduled for two sessions, with 25 students from grades 1-4 performing in each group.

The first session was set to take place this past Friday, while the second group of carollers will make the rounds today, Dec. 16.

Power said every teacher selected two students from their class for each session.

"First, we had to make sure they were kids who would go out and actually sing.

"The kids worked hard to learn their parts, with each group performing five Christmas carols.

"Our first group had two male drum dancers and, today, we have two girls throat singing with the carollers, so we're excited about that."

Faxes were sent to businesses in the community, making them aware of the school's carolling efforts on behalf of the RCMP Christmas Hamper, and the event was announced on local radio.

Power said it's important for everyone in the community to do their part so all can enjoy a happy holiday.

"Those who ask for the kids to come and sing at their business donate either $50 or 50 non-perishable food items," the principal said.

"Hopefully, when all is said and done, we'll be able to top last year's numbers."