WARWICK Cares supporters hope to do something really practical to extend a bit of care and compassion to refugees during winter after we promoted (and donated) to the winter appeal of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

We thought . . . what can we do locally? Are refugees and asylum seekers feeling the cold in Toowoomba and Brisbane? After just a few calls to support groups we determined what would be helpful.

As it turns out Toowoomba refugee support groups are fine with winter woollies, but in the five households which support refugees in transition, there is a real need for herbs and spices.

This is a need particularly for culinary herbs that can be grown and provide nourishment and the ability to recreate spicy dishes that are part of their cultural heritage - a taste of home, so to speak.

After speaking to the Romero Centre in Brisbane, which not only support refugees in developing English skills and providing other support services, but have close links with asylum seekers at the Pinkenba Detention Centre near Brisbane we were told that scarves and beanies would be really helpful.

Not only would they provide the warmth to help beat cold, but that they would be greatly encouraged to receive expressions of care from our community at a time when they feel besieged by immigration policy and all the uncertainty and trauma associated with making a safe home.

All this after escaping difficult and dangerous situations, and for many, their visas and their status is quite tenuous.

So we've put together a very quick-response Winter Warmers muster for Warwick people to knit or crochet scarves and beanies, or buy spices/herbs etc.

Scarves and beanies are the particular focus of this drive as they are accessories that will fit anyone.

Anyone who is interested can drop items off at the Warwick Collective on Fitzroy St from Thursday to Sundays.