Gloucester volunteers have been a part of this organisation for many years and have recently sent 15 blankets the Our Backyard Car2Home project in Lake Macquarie.  

The project provides a private space for single women and families who are homeless and sleeping in their car.

Wraps are also sent to other organisations including Destiny Haven and Life Without Barriers, as well as being made available to residents in the Gloucester community. 

But the need is greater than the number of wraps available, according to local contact, Deborah Brooks.

What was once a group of 12 has dropped down to four and they are looking for help.

Help can come in a variety of ways; from donations of 8 ply wool (or acrylic) or pre-made squares to dedicated Wrap Artists.

Deborah coined the phrase Wrap Artist to describe the volunteers as she believes “every volunteer who makes these wraps is indeed a real artist.”

“It is such a simple thing to do and makes such a positive difference to someone’s life,” Deborah said.

Wraps are made up the same size, using 28 squares (25 centimetres squared), sewn together in rows of four by seven. It can be knitted, crocheted, machine knitted or woven, with wool, acrylic or lined patchwork.

Wrap With Love is a non-denominational, not for profit organisation out of Sydney that began in 1992 with the idea to help as many people as possible by providing warm wraps to ward off hypothermia. 

According to the organisation’s website, since inception, it has sent more than 400,000 wraps to people in over 75 countries, including Australia.

Thanks to Denell Transport, the wraps created in Gloucester can be delivered to a drop off point in the Hunter for distribution. 

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“And special thanks go to those who donate wool, knit, crotchet blankets or squares and to Barbara Mansfield, who patiently puts together rugs from squares,” Deborah said.

“If people don’t want to make an entire wrap or blanket then squares are welcomed.”

Completed squares can be dropped off at Gloucester Health Foods on Church Street.

If you are interested in getting involved or are able to donate materials, please contact Deborah on 6558 4324.

For more information, visit www.wrapwithlove.org