Winnipeg police who work in the city's North End are lending a hand in the area on Saturday by delivering hampers to families that live there.

The hampers were collected by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre on King Street, and for officers, they provide an opportunity for the community to see police outside their role as law enforcers.

"I was listening to the radio yesterday. They were short of drivers to deliver the hampers for Ma Mawi so I thought, 'We're working the day shift and it's a little bit slow right now … We can get out and help out," said Sgt. Brian Chrupalo.

By connecting with North End residents through delivering the hampers, Chrupalo — who grew up in the neighbourhood — said he is improving the relationship between police and the community.

"It's important for the community to see us in more than just a police capacity," he said.

"A lot of us have families as well … To help out, to be able to do something like this is great for the community."

The officers are still trying to recruit a few more units to help with the hampers before the end of Saturday.