After five months of work, about 300 senior citizens stitched together a total of 40 quilts for charity.

The elderly participants, mostly rental flat residents, made these as gifts for other needy seniors.

Their efforts were a part of the Weaving Love, Mending Hearts programme organised by Fei Yue Family Services Centre.

One participant, Ms Lachimee, 84, who goes by one name, said: "I enjoy using the sewing machine to give something to others."

More than a third of the 302 participants learnt to use an electric sewing machine for the first time through the programme.

Besides learning a new skill, participants enjoyed benefits like improved psychological well-being. They had to grasp ideas like colour sensing to make the quilt aesthetically pleasing.

The programme was a hit with the seniors at Fei Yue's eldercare centres, surpassing its target of 25 quilts, set in line with Fei Yue's 25th anniversary celebrations this year.

Ms Lynn Lim, a director at Fei Yue, a voluntary welfare organisation, said many of the elderly participants overcame doubts about learning to quilt as they were keen to help others in need.

Some even brought along their own bags of scrap cloth.

The quilts were presented to needy residents during the Weaving Love, Mending Hearts celebration held together with the launch of Fei Yue's 25th anniversary celebrations. South West District Mayor Low Yen Ling attended the event at the Civil Service Club in Bukit Batok yesterday.

Fei Yue plans to continue the programme to benefit more seniors, and hopes to reach out to the needy by selling the quilts for charity or donating them.