However, it appears they misjudged the giving nature of the Benalla community and now have more than 200 blankets.
There are so many, more than half will need to be stored at the bank until Waminda, and St Vincent de Paul on Carrier St, have room to take more.
Waminda Community House operations manager Sherileigh Dowell said the timing was perfect.
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“We were excited when Bendigo Bank got in contact,” Ms Dowell said.
“During COVID we had a lot of homeless people around who were coming to our relief program.
“And in that we had a few people donate some crocheted blankets and some sleeping bags, but it was never quite enough to keep up with demand.
“There's also a lot of people struggling to keep the heating on, and new families in the area with young kids who could really use some (blankets).
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“It will certainly help Waminda serve our purpose a lot easier.”
Bendigo Bank manager Jenny Lee said the response to the blanket drive had been absolutely phenomenal.
“I didn't expect anywhere near as many blankets to be donated,” Ms Lee said.“We've had people say they have crocheted blankets and wanted to donate them. We have seen the positivity and the interest it has generated. It has been amazing.
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“The staff have just been blown away by how many people, whether they bank with us or not, that have come in with blankets.
“Also Karen from Green n Grow nursery, she was inundated there as well, so it has just been humanity at its best, and at the right time.
“St Vincent De Paul, their welfare arm, based in Carrier St, they are going to be recipients as well and they will work in with Waminda house as they often get people there who need blankets.
“I spoke with them yesterday and they will have a small stock down there and they will liaise with Waminda house.
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“Neither of those have great storage capacity, but we do.
“So we will store all the extra ones out the back of the bank, and they can come and get them as, and when, they need to.
“We can't thank the community enough. People really do care.”
Waminda Community House and St Vincent de Paul have people they know need blankets, however given the volume donated Ms Dowell said Waminda would also put out a call on its Facebook page.
● If you need help this winter with blankets, keep an eye on that page; alternatively you can pop into Waminda Community House at 19 Ballantine St, phone (03) 5762 4528, or phone St Vincent de Paul on 0409 603 164 or (03) 5762 5329.
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