UnitingCare Wodonga agency manager Naomi Jansen said the Border community was spreading the warmth, after recording one of its best winter collections.

Almost 150 blankets, a tent and sleeping bags had been handed in at St Stephen's Church.

“We did a call out for tents, which are used as a last resort, because of homeless situation which is being presented at the moment,” Mrs Jansen said.

“In March, we had 20 people present as homeless.

“Knitted handmade rugs are very sweet as well.”

The service will continue to collect winter items, including beanies and socks, to help those in need.

Mrs Jansen said all it took was a job loss or an illness for people to fall on hard times.

“People are doing it pretty tough, so the community has really opened up their hearts and provided warmth for people which is really lovely,” she said.

“A lady in her 90s had everything disconnected, blankets were a treat for her.

“And a lot of people deciding not to put on heaters because of electricity prices.

“Blankets can be new or second hand, as long as they have been washed.”

Hand in your winter woollies at St Stephen's Church, Beechworth Road, Wodonga.