This year as the campaign amps up again, organisers are expecting the number of bags donated to be even higher.

Share the Dignity Far South Coast volunteer Vanessa Bragg said 2019 is the fifth year the charity has run the Christmas campaign, and is hoping for the biggest response ever.

Read also: What's in a bag

"We've been blown away by the support this collection receives each and every year. This year has been a tough year all round. We'd love communities to let local women and teenage girls who are experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough or seeking refuge in domestic violence shelters that they are in our thoughts this Christmas," she said.

"We want to give them a reason to smile and feel cared for, as well as restoring some of their dignity by providing them with the handbags filled with essential hygiene products, as well as a few extra little treats."

Organisers of the campaign believe the the idea is "pretty simple" and outlined the rules as follows;

Donate a hand bag in good condition you no longer use;

Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a woman experiencing homelessness, domestic violence or period poverty;

Be sure to include the essentials such as pads and tampons, roll on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and soap; and

Add the little luxuries like lip balm and new socks, a magazine, anything that would make a woman or teenage girl feel special.

Individuals who donate bags are encouraged to pop a thoughtful note into the bag to show these women and girls that someone cares and that they matter.

Share the Dignity volunteers will collect the donated bags and distribute to participating local shelters and charities ensuring that these lovingly prepared bags are available for women and girls in time for Christmas.

The 'In the Bag' campaign will run from November 22 until December 7. Bags can be dropped off at Eden, Bermagui, Tura and Bega Libraries.