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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Canadian Armed Forces is stepping in to help the RCMP bring toys to children in the NWT who might otherwise not get a gift from Santa this Christmas.

In years past toys have been coming North through a partnership between the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, the Canadian Toy Association and the RCMP.

An estimated 12,000 children have received toys through the program in the past but the Toronto Santa Claus Parade is not on board this year.

"This year they have decided they are going to spread their generosity to other provinces, so this year we weren't chosen," said Const. Amanda McGillvary, Yellowknife's RCMP organizer for the Spirit of Giving initiative.

"So instead of it not happening at all, the military and us went together and we're still trying to make that happen for some of the communities where it's harder to get things to, or they don't have the means to get out and get anything."

Last year the RCMP helped put together five large pallets of toys that were donated to the Yellowknife YWCA.

"It's just a way to give back to the community," said Master Cpl. Shawn Roberts, organizer for the military.

"All of us who have kids, me included, we throw our toys away every year, so rather then just dispose of them it's a good way to put them to use. Someone else can benefit from them."

For those wishing to make donations, McGillvary said boxes are set up at the detachment and at all military offices.

"There are boxes at certain locations and we're asking for people to donate clean unwrapped toys, and even if they have any good winter clothing that is still in good working order and could be shared with others," said McGillvary.

All gifts will be wrapped on Dec. 10 and 11 by the RCMP and the military and then taken by Air Tindi, North Wright Airways and First Air to communities across the North.

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