Update
More than eight truckloads of items have been donated to NSW bushfire victims after a Miranda business owner rallied the community to help.
Rosie Shalhoub, who owns Embrace at Westfield Miranda, was sitting at home feeling helpless while watching news reports about bushfire victims who had lost everything on New Year's Day when she decided she wanted to do something to help.
Her friend Dianne Regan said she put together a Facebook group in the hope that she would get enough donations to fill one truck and arranged the use of Our Lady Star of the Sea church hall at Miranda as a drop-off point for much-needed supplies.
Over the next three days, thousands of donations poured in, which volunteers spent last weekend sorting and packing. In all eight truckloads of goods have been donated.
Earlier
St George and Sutherland Shire residents have joined Sutherland Shire Council in offering help to fire ravaged communities on the NSW South Coast, pledging money, clothes and even a place to stay.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce yesterday announced the council's support for the South Coast communities devastated by the ongoing bushfire crisis.
"I am saddened by the devastation as these terrible fires continue, particularly so close to home in the NSW South Coast communities that have experienced such destruction in recent days," Councillor Pesce said.
"I have today reached out to the Mayors of Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega to offer our support, both financially with a $50,000 contribution for the region and with resources to assist in the recovery efforts.
"Many people in our community have strong connections with the South Coast and we want to be able to assist in this time of need.
"The Sutherland Shire has faced natural disasters in the past and my hope is that we can draw on that experience to support the local communities impacted by the fires as they begin the recovery process."
Councillor Pesce also announced funding of $25,000 to support the NSW Emergency Services as the bushfires continue.
"I would like to thank the ongoing efforts of the NSW Rural Fire Service and other emergency services, who continue to work tirelessly over a protracted period in difficult and dangerous conditions to protect communities," he said.
"Hundreds of volunteers and emergency service workers, including from the Sutherland Shire have left their homes and loved ones over the holiday period to protect others, and on behalf of our entire community I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude."
Local businesses are also lending a hand.
Fergo's Tackle World, which has stores at Taren Point and Warrawong near Wollongong, has launched a bushfire appeal and is collecting cash as well as donations of items, such as food and clothing.
"Lake Conjola has been one of the hardest hit towns along the NSW South Coast. So far 89 homes have been reported lost, and rescue crews fear there will be more," it said on its Facebook page.
"These people and their families have been left with nothing to wear, nothing to eat, nowhere to sleep and nowhere to feel safe.
"My family and I are going to collect donated items that are needed in everyday life and take them directly to the victims of Lake Conjola once the roads are open and safe.
"We are hoping to take truckloads and make an actual difference in these people's lives.
"I'm a proud Australian who knows we come together at times of need, this is absolutely one of those times.
"Please share this post or spread the word in your own way, we just want to help as many people as possible during this devastating crisis."
The appeal is collecting "any donations, small or large" .
"A T-shirt for example costs as little as $5, tinned food even less. With the money we receive we will organise the purchase of all the essential items we can think of and deliver them ourselves to the affected families," it said.
"We also have large bins set up at both of our stores so if you have any non-perishable foods, old clothes, new clothes, bedding, shelter that you think will help, please come and drop them off to us so we can take them down as soon as possible."
To make a cash donation click here
Keira Alexander posted on Mums of the Shire - Community that she was offering up her fully self-contained granny flat at Miranda for the weekend to anyone needing emergency accommodation after fleeing the South Coast, and said "fur babies" were also welcome.
Elders Real Estate Sylvania is also taking collections of donated items, which will be transported to bushfire victims.
The agency is collecting toiletries, nappies, toilet paper, towels, tinned food, tea and coffee, muesli bars, kitchen utensils, pet food and bedding, toys, new underwear and socks. Items can be dropped off at 3/202 Princes Highway, Sylvania, from 9am to 5pm on January 6 to 9.
Kennards Hire Kirrawee will donate the use of a truck to transport the items to those in need once it is safe to do so.
Items must be suitably packed for transport.
