Lois King, 79, is just one of many older residents who receives a phone call each morning through Red Cross’s Telecross program.

The program provides a daily lifeline to elderly and medically dependent people.

A year and a half ago Mrs King was in her backyard when she got caught up in the garden hose, fell and broke her leg.

“Luckily my next door neighbour was also outside and could hear my cry for help,” she said.

It was after the fall that her daughter, who lives in Wangaratta, insisted she join the program.

“I thought I was giving up my independence, but I don’t see it that way now,” she said.

“Apart from checking that I am OK, it’s nice to hear another voice.”

Telecross convenor Pam Adams said more volunteers were needed to fill the demand of the program’s 26 clients.

“The program is simple — a caller rings the client for a brief chat between 8am and 9am each day ,” she said.

“They basically check to see if everything’s all right with the client.

“Callers are rostered on once every two months to give volunteers a break.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for the program can contact the Wodonga Telecross service by phoning 0428 304 453.