This year marks the third year The Links Shell Cove golf club has hosted its winter appeal, which aims to provide assistance and stress relief to individuals and families struggling in winter.

Previous appeals have included a blanket drive and a canned food drive.

This year, Links club members were asked to donate jackets and jumpers.

From May to June this year, more than 200 items of winter clothing were donated from across the Shellharbour community.

Salvation Army representatives visited the venue on Thursday, where they collected the items for distribution.

The club's committee secretary Larry How said the collected items would help those in need, including the Illawarra's homeless population.

"We could see that there was a need there, particularly in winter," Mr How said.

"We're trying to be more community-minded, and try and give something back to the community.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has donated."

The Shell Cove club currently has 650 members.

Major Tracey Wicks is a Salvation Army officer within the Illawarra, and said the donations would be helping people in the region.

She thanked the community for supporting people in the Illawarra "who are doing it a little bit tougher".

"There are a lot of people in the Illawarra area who are sleeping rough, and when they're coming into our service they are looking for extra layers," she said.

"This will provide them with additional protection against the weather.

"They'll be able to come into both our community service centres where our emergency relief is handed out.

"We'll also be distributing some to our women's service.

"Being warm, secure and safe all benefit us.

"If we're cold, we're not comfortable, and if we can't afford heating then extra coats and blankets is the option to keep us warm."

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said this was about members of the council-run Links hotel wanting to help the broader community.

Cr Saliba said the winter clothing appeal was a simple way for Shellharbour residents to assist members of the community who did not have access to warm clothes this winter.

"The stress on individuals struggling with daily living expenses, particularly during the cold winter months, can be immense," Cr Saliba said.

"Donating old winter clothes is a great way to relieve some of that pressure.

"These types of garments are very useful for people who are homeless and people who are in need."

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