As million dollar donations from celebrities and companies roll in for the bushfire effort, thousands of small gestures are making a big difference too.
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Across the Illawarra, there have been countless examples of grassroots action, as people from all walks of life do whatever they can to help.
For instance, in Horsley on Saturday, Ruby and Charlotte Cruden-Taylor - aged eight and six - raised more than $1000 in three hours through a bake sale.
"Our first customer came past and gave us $200 for one doughnut and said keep the change," their mum, Emma, said. "We were so overwhelmed, and we're going to give the money to the Dapto RFS as well as some of the wildlife organisations."
As well as raising money, Ms Cruden-Taylor said the bake sale had helped her daughters to find a positive side amid the confronting news about the bushfires.
"They could see all the smoke, and ash in our pool and were asking about the fires," she said.
"I wanted them to know what was happening so I showed them some posts about real life situations people were dealing with. They were sobbing when they saw the pictures, so we started talking about how they could help. They can now say they've done something, and they've seen the sense of community spirit that came from their actions."
Similarly, in Mangerton on Sunday, a group of six cousins aged between two and 10 got together to hold another bake sale, raising $1400 for WIRES.
"They had seen the devastation on the news and knew about it from the smoke and ash they saw here on the beach in Wollongong and couldn't imagine what it was like down in affected areas," Bec Browne, mum of 10-year-old Austin and 8-year-old Fletcher said.
She said the kids had been chuffed when Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery happened to drive past.
"I didn't actually want a cake, but I had to stop and give them some money because it was such a sweet little exercise," he said.
"It's marvelous because they are doing the sensible thing and raising money, because we know we don't need any more goods sent into bushfire areas because the logistics of that has been overwhelming.
"It also highlights that the majority of people want to do something, and shows the great compassion of people who want to do their bit. It is really lovely to see a group of kids out these doing what they can."
These sales are just two examples of hundreds of community efforts which have emerged across the Illawarra in recent weeks.
Emergency services and charities have welcomed all generosity, but are now strongly urging people who want to donate to give cash, not things, after they become overwhelmed by those sending food and other items for bushfire victims.
For those without cash to spare, the sale of used clothes, baked goods, used household or other items can help to raise money, or they could volunteer time at one of the agencies helping with the recovery.