Central Otago residents are going all out in support of the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, ensuring women in need of basic essentials do not go without.

The initiative welcomes people to fill a handbag with everyday items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, plus extra items if they wish, which are then passed on to the Dunedin Women’s Refuge.

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was launched in memory of Grace Millane, who was killed in an Auckland hotel room in 2018 by a man she met on a dating app.

Central Otago coordinator Philippa Bain said the support received across the district so far had been “fantastic”.

“We have seen a fantastic response from the community in the first two weeks of the appeal, particularly from our smallest wards. Roxburgh is really showing its heart and community spirit, already having donated 18 bags!”

As of Wednesday, Alexandra was a close second with 17 bags.

A collection of the many bags donated by Roxburgh residents. PHOTO: Philippa Bain

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand was launched in memory of Grace Millane. PHOTO: Supplied

Philippa said there were a total of 37 bags received so far, however there were some areas she had not been able to get a total for yet, so hoped that number would increase.

The bags are being collected at Cromwell, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Maniototo public libraries up until Friday, March 8 - International Women’s Day.

A list of items people are welcome to add. IMAGE: Supplied

“There are some lovely stories coming back from our wonderful library collection points,” she said.

“Groups of women in the community [have been] getting together to make up bags to support this wonderful charity, it’s really heart warming.”

With just over a week left, Philippa said there was still time for people to put a handbag of items together if they wanted to, which they can drop off to their nearest library.

Preloved handbags are welcome, she said.

To find out more, visit the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand Facebook page.

Read more: Donations welcome in Central for handbag appeal