The annual event encourages Australians to put together bags filled with essential items to donate to someone in need for Christmas.
The bags are dropped off at Bunnings and distributed to 3000 Australian charities that have registered with Share the Dignity.
These charities then hand out donated bags to people in need for Christmas.
To get involved, find a good condition or new handbag, backpack or duffel bag and fill it with essential items like sanitary and period products, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (roll-on only) or soap and body wash.
If you don’t have a handbag, backpack or duffel bag, you can also collect essential items and donate them to be distributed.
For 2021, collection points for bag donations will be open at every Bunnings store across Australia from November 19 to 28.
Ms Ispanovity has been a Share the Dignity volunteer for two years and said everyone should be entitled to basic hygiene products, no matter their circumstances.
“Making the bags is something any member of the public can do to make a huge difference in someone’s life,” she said.
“It’s very rewarding when I collect the bags and take them to a charity and hear the stories of how much it helps people.
“Getting something small and knowing someone cares can make someone’s Christmas.”
Ms Ispanovity said buying hygiene products was the last thing on someone’s mind if they were struggling to find housing or put food on the table.
“If you’ve only got a couple of dollars left, you’re not buying a bar of soap or a new hairbrush,” she said.
“It’s been tough for everyone during COVID-19 and the demand for what Share the Dignity does has increased.
“There’s heaps of information on the Share the Dignity website about how you can get involved and help out.
“We had a great response from the Seymour and district community last year and hopefully we see that continue.”
For more information, visit sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag
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