Finding food and a safe space to sleep are among the many challenges homeless women face, but the lack of sanitary products is why Share the Dignity has been working to eliminate period poverty in Australia since 2015.

Share the Dignity, from Friday November 16, will be going to Bunnings Warehouse South Nowra and is calling on local residents to donate essential hygiene items as part of 'It's in the Bag' Christmas donation drive.

Share the Dignity is a national not-for-profit group which assists homeless women and victims of domestic violence.

Bunnings Warehouses across the country will be collecting donations.

The charity, as the need grows for essential sanitary items, is now striving to collect 120,000 bags from generous Australians.

Last year, the team at Bunnings Warehouse South Nowra collected 670 bags and the group is asking again for contributions from the Shoalhaven community.

Nearly 173,000 females across Australia sought help from homelessness services in 2017 - a number that has risen by 21 per cent over four years.

Domestic and family violence were identified as the main reasons why women seek assistance.

Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtenay, is depending on community kindness.

"Christmas is such a special time, but we tend to forget there's many people who need our help,” she said.

“Donating a bag filled with hygienic essentials is a small but extremely impactful gesture that people can take part in.”

Required items are:

* sanitary items

* shampoo

* conditioner

* toothbrushes

* toothpaste

* soap and

* deodorant

Go to sharethedignity.com.au/christmas-charity/ for more information.

Read More: Group ready for toy drive

Read More: Festive season comes early