Crafters are making supplies for injured wildlife by the crate load and public donations to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital fundraising appeal have topped $1.8 million, in a global outpouring of love for animals left homeless by the bushfires.

But some wildlife groups have been swamped by items they cannot use, prompting warnings that would-be donors should always check first.

Joni Freeman has been sewing and crocheting for injured wildlife. Credit:Dean Sewell

Joni Freeman, from Lane Cove, is a sewer and a crocheter who has been making bat wraps, joey pouches and little crocheted birds’ nests in her spare time.

“I grew up doing a little bit of sewing … but I hadn't really had an inspirational project until this animal rescue stuff came along,” Ms Freeman said. “It’s really satisfying to get those old skills out and dust them off.”