This is one of those self-imposed mysteries that I think I have solved but it would be cheering to get some confirmation from people who know for sure.
The lady at the church sale thought it was for poking in beside seeds but wasn't sure why there then would be a trail of wire around the garden – unless as a critter deterrent.
When I (nosey parker)(curious being) discovered that the wrap of wire was individual lengths to each stick, further thought took place. My suggestion was that the sticks are meant to indeed be placed when a seed is planted, seeds like scarlet runner or pole beans, and the wire then wrapped as a guide from the green stick to the support pole; a thin wire for the baby sprout to catch onto easily and make its way to the pole or tepee or fence or whatever. There are likely more ways to use them. Inform me, please!
Of course I have since wondered if I could use them as knitting needles with flexible ends ……
Or tent supports leading to a central pole around a circus cake.
Or write something on each and hang them in a tree like the Japanese prayer flags.
Or seed markers with critter deterrent feature.