Little Hands, Big Hearts: Wodonga West Children’s Centre Knits for Cancer Patients

At Wodonga West Children’s Centre, something magical unfolded in Term 2. Not just in the classroom, but in the hearts of its young students. What began as a simple act of kindness by Year 3 and 4 teacher Jessica Zuber quickly transformed into a powerful lesson in wellbeing, empathy, resilience and community spirit.

When Jessica’s mum was diagnosed with cancer, she turned to knitting as a personal way to show love and support. But it wasn’t long before her students, aged just 8 to 10, noticed and asked if they could help too. One by one, they picked up knitting needles and crochet hooks, learning not just the art of craft, but the deeper skill of caring for others.

From scarves and beanies to colourful woolly octopuses, the students poured their time and love into every stitch. Before long, their school project had grown far beyond the classroom walls. Wool was donated by local families, parents and grandparents were enlisted to help, and Jessica’s classroom’s wellbeing focus blossomed into something truly heartwarming.

Each handmade item was donated to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre’s Wellness Centre, where patients received not only a warm scarf or blanket, but also a handwritten note from a child who genuinely wanted to bring them comfort.

“The notes are so moving,” said Tracey Abikhair, Wellness Centre Support Worker. “They’re full of encouragement and hope. You can feel the love behind every word and every stitch.”

What was meant to be a short-term activity turned into an ongoing passion project, and the students aren’t stopping anytime soon, especially with so much donated wool still to use!

Jessica tells us that this project was about so much more than knitting. “It’s about learning how to care for others in meaningful ways and knowing even small hands can make a big difference.”

From the halls of Wodonga West Children’s Centre to the halls of the Cancer Centre, the warmth of these children’s creations is being felt in more ways than one.

Thank you to all involved. You’ve shown us that kindness, compassion and community can start young, and that sometimes, the best medicine is made of wool, words, and love.