Victims of New South Wales’ recent bush fires will benefit from the generosity of Douglas residents, thanks to some quick-thinking locals.

Michael Kerr, Coles Port Douglas store manager Jason Smith and Mel Motley joined forces with retail giants Coles and Target last week to organise a donation drive to send much-needed non-perishable items to the fire affected regions.

Mr Kerr said people wanting to make donations had another week before the truck started transporting donations down to the victims in the state emergency-declared state.

Mr Kerr, who is also running as candidate for Douglas Shire Council elections, said locals had already donated a good collection of bathroom products and bedding, with Port Douglas’ Coles supermarket providing a section near the registers for donations to be made.

“There is another truck available if more products are donated, though the sooner we can get them down there, the better,” he said. Port Douglas’ Target Country store is also taking cash donations.

Mr Kerr said it was the compassionate nature of Jason and staff member, Mel, which provided the impetus behind the drive.

“It was Jason who first thought of idea and organized a truck, and then asked if I would like to be involved to assist in getting the message out to the public,” Mr Kerr said.

“Mel Motly adopted the project and is looking after the goods that are being brought in, she has been wonderful.

“It's a great cause, many of these people (victims of the fires) have lost everything.”