Human generosity is shining at Lucknow Hall where volunteers are busy putting together packages of food, clothing, water and toiletries for those affected by the bushfires.

Matt Whelan, of Johnsonville, was at the hall yesterday, helping other volunteers load his ute and trailer for a second trip to the Buchan Football Club where hundreds of locals are congregating.

“The first run I did on Wednedsay night was with food, water, bedding and clothes,” Mr Whelan said.

“The main front of that fire is still very alive. There have been quite a few houses lost in the Buchan Basin, and a young couple at Bete Bolong I know have lost absolutely everything.

“A lot of people are in shock.”

Mr Whelan is also the Buchan Football Club president and said there was a RapidRelief team at the club cooking for local people, and that simple things like milk and bread were needed.

He said more than 500 head of cattle and sheep had been shot already due to bushfire.

The smoke pervading the hall is an eerie reminder of the disaster that is still unfolding.

For Wendy McPhan, who asked for donations at 1pm on New Year’s Eve, organising help was a simple choice.

“I thought I could either sit at home and cry or I could do something,” she said.

“People have come in here distraught, they are devastated.

“I’m speechless at the community’s generosity, people have been unbelievable.

“I have handed out thousands of dollars worth of donated vouchers.

“We’ve come together as a community to help.”

When Lucknow Hall became overcrowded with goods, the volunteers organised for the hall at Lucknow Primary School to become part of the effort.

Incredibly there were 50 volunteers on hand to help out at the school.

Organisers are encouraging bushfire-affected families to go to the primary school for things they need.

The Lucknow volunteers have also put together packages to be helicoptered into Mallacoota.

At the time of going to print, donated items most needed included new socks and underwear, all manner of toiletries including razors and sanitary items.

IMAGE: Jodie Crane, of Lucknow, Matt Whelan, of Johnsonville, and Wendy McPhan, of Bairnsdale, at Lucknow Hall yesterday morning, where volunteers were busy loading a ute and trailer with supplies bound for Buchan. K3-2009