A total of 120 care packages have been distributed to isolated seniors across Wangaratta to connect with the older community.
The initiative came from the Rural City of Wangaratta's aged and community care and events team and the local library.
Council received a grant from the State Government that was put towards reimagining this year's Seniors Festival, which otherwise would have been cancelled as a result of COVID-19.
The idea was to give local seniors the tools they needed to knit or crotchet items which would then be given to others in the community in need.
Diane Worthington, owner of West End Lotto and Wool Shop, created the care packages which she said had a great response from the community.
"Within 24 hours I had all the yarn and knitting needles I ordered sitting in my shop," she said.
The packages included three balls of wool and either a knitting needle or a crochet hook and a simple pattern.
Making a come back
Aged care and community care workers then distributed the packs to people in the community who were able to get creative and made scarves, beanies, booties and more.
Ms Worthington said just the act of receiving a delivery was enough to make some people's day.
"It's tough for all those people isolated or living on their own or in all those remote areas," she said.
"They loved getting a knock on the door and those parcels delivered to them."
A 'saviour' in lockdown
Ms Worthington said knitting and crochet has made a comeback during lockdown.
With many people stuck at home, their eyes were always on the next project to keep them busy.
"I've been in the shop for over 30 years, and when we first came there were a lot of knitters," she said.
"But this year it's been a saviour to a lot of people."
Ms Worthington said after the packs were handed out some residents came to her store to source more wool and continue the project.
The garments, once finished, will be donated back to the library to be distributed to the various charities helping those in need.
