South-west Sydney saw once-in-a-generation floods in early June, leaving dozens of roads and properties submerged and destroyed.

From Camden to Milperra, the destruction was among the worst in the state.

Picton was one of the worst affected areas and a band of ladies from the Tenterfield Community College and Tenterfield Arts and Craft Society decided to lend a helping hand.

“Every person involved has been deeply touched by the losses incurred by so many on that dreadful day,” co-ordinator Fran Bulmer said.

Early in March the group decided to hold a quilt-a-thon to make patchwork quilts to be distributed to victims of natural disasters.

“This is our 7th annual quilt-a-thon from which we have distributed 369 quilts,” Fran said.

Over the years the group has delivered quilts to victims in Coonabarabran, Logan, Moree, Horsham, Walgett and now Picton.

Quilter, Janel Holmes, went that extra step and travelled south to personally deliver the groups creations.

“Each and every one of these quilts was made by people with a lot of love and warmth in their hearts, and we hope that by receiving one of these quilts it will help to know that others are thinking of you in this difficult time and that our gift will help to keep you warm in the days ahead,” Fran said.

Sindy Duffield was one of the ones whose life was turned upside down.

She recounts fleeing into her attic with chickens, guinea pigs and her dogs as the water rose in her home.

“We waited and waited and waited until about nine o'clock when someone came and finally got us out of there,” she said.

“The whole time we were there we were hearing our neighbours screaming for help.”

Many homes in Picton were not insured, with premiums in excess of $20,000 due to the high flood risk and heritage listings.

Forty-one quilts will be given to Picton Lions Club to distribute to the neediest.

“Everybody involved in the quilt-a-thon felt that they were doing something, even though small, towards helping to make someone’s day a little brighter,” Fran said.