Life in a Bag will run its southern area winter bag collection from 25 to 29 May after consulting with SA Health about observing social distancing restrictions.

The organisation gathers donated new handbags, backpacks or tote bags, full of goodies, to distribute to those doing it tough through homelessness or domestic violence.

The goodies include everyday items such as soap, deodorant and toothpaste, and sometimes something a little special, such as a warm scarf or hand cream.

Life in a Bag is looking for community coordinators on the Fleurieu to help collect, check and distribute the bags through agencies, women’s shelters and food vans in the local district.

Yankalilla, Meadows and Strathalbyn have been listed as communities in need of a coordinator, along with Mount Barker, Clarendon and Murray Bridge.

Families, groups or individuals collect a list of suggested items in a new non-plastic bag over the weeks before winter and take them to community drop off points during the collection week.

Practicing good hand washing when handling bags and goods, and social distancing during buying and dropping off bags means it is considered a very low risk activity.

Many people may not be in a position to help this year, but the need is there and arguably even more so in 2020, so whatever can be managed will be greatly appreciated.

The Life In A Bag goal this winter is 300 bags to be distributed in its Southern Area.

Previous collections have supported people through many Fleurieu agencies, including Fred’s Vans (Vinnies) at Aldinga; Whalers (Fleurieu) Peninsula Association; 5CY (Five Churches of Yankalilla) Community Care; Victor Harbor Salvation Army Community Care; Open Door Centre Community Care in Goolwa; South Coast Christian Community Care Victor Harbor; and Care and Clothes Op Shop McLaren Vale.

Find out more at the Life in a Bag Facebook page.

Life in a Bag is a community response for locals in a local area.