Federal prison inmates make Christmas toys for children in Williams Lake

Federal prison inmates in the Fraser Valley are bringing some Christmas cheer to families in Williams Lake, B.C. this year.

Inmates at seven different correctional institutions are making everything from building blocks and wooden trains to baby clothes and bunk beds.

Prisoners are volunteering their time through a restorative justice program called Work2Give.

The items they create will go low-income youth and families in aboriginal communities.

Coordinator Sarah Jackman said it's a surprising sight to see convicts working on toys.

"They look like you'd expect them to look in a prison. There's tattoos. They're hardened criminals. Some of these guys look a little scary frankly and then you see them knitting a hat or sewing a teddy bear and it's such a strange juxtaposition of what you're expecting to see."

Truckloads of presents will be delivered to Williams Lake on Monday and be given out on Friday at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.