FOR local boy Zack Jones, his iPod is his refuge.

Severely autistic, Zack has trouble communicating with others, but his device provides a channel.

The loss of his iPod sent shockwaves through the family, Zack's dad Darren Jones said.

"One day when we were in Woolies he put it down," he said.

"Zack's completely non-verbal, so he can't talk.

"It made it very difficult for him to put across what he wants.

"With the iPod he's able to type in 'I want...', a bit like a picture board."

The Blaze Cafe Whitsundays owners Ivan and Sarah Oehlert learnt of the loss through Facebook and started collecting donations.

"I've got three healthy kids and I've had experience with autistic kids so I know when they're non-verbal it's really hard," Ms Oehlert said.

"It just really hit a chord."

With Zack now back to bopping along to his favourite tunes thanks to the efforts of the local community, Mr Jones said they were overwhelmed.

"It makes you feel very loved," he said.

"It makes you feel as if you live in a wonderful community environment.

"It's just indescribable to know that in your time of need people are willing to support you and help you."

Ms Oehlert said it was up lifting to live in such a caring town after returning from Mackay last year.

"It's a big reason why we came back to Prossie," she said.

"It's a close knit community and I think, the way the world is, we've lost sight of that."

Mr Jones said they had never been looking for donations, and were overjoyed at the outpouring of help.

"We were just looking to get the device back and Sarah and Ivan took it upon themselves to put a collection plate out," he said.

"It's just extremely nice and heart-warming.

"I can't thank Sarah and Ivan enough."