I STARTED an appeal last month for Queensland's flood victims. I felt for the farmers, the people on the land and the animals.

I wanted to do something for Queensland as soon as it happened and back then, there was nothing evident to help with.

So I contacted a charity that I know does a lot of good all year round, Aussie Helpers Ltd, and asked, "What can I do to help?"

I offered to do a collection of food, personal items, household products and other non-perishable items.

Aussie Helpers accepted and a seed was planted.

I pondered for a couple of days as to how to best do this, as I have never taken on a challenge like this before.

I was a bit scared of starting something that might fail or not get supported, but my husband, Frank, was really supportive and said "Give it a go if that's what your heart wants to do".

I approached an IGA supermarket and told the manager of my idea and he liked the sound of it and suggested I contact the Maffra store too.

With that I phoned Maffra's manager and she didn't hesitate.

The next day (January 4) I delivered new wheelie bins to the stores and stuck home-printed signs on them.

I sent an email to the ABC asking to promote the effort, but it wanted an interview. I hesitated, but in the end, I thought, it's for people who need our help, so I'll do it.

After the ABC interview, the WIN News team contacted me and wanted to do a story too. Since then, the donations have been pouring in.

I was contacted by a chap who wanted to join me and extend it to his region. I then extended it even further due to the demand.

In just 10 days, we had so much food, baby needs, long-life milk, bottled water and pet food, it truly amazed me at how a small community rallied to help the people of Queensland.

I am humbled at the generosity.

Some days I went in to empty the bins and collect what had been donated and could cry to see how kind people had been.

I am so proud to be part of the community here in Gippsland, I wanted to show the people of Queensland that the communities of Sale, Maffra, Stratford, Bairnsdale and Rosedale were here working incredibly hard to support them and help them.

I am just an ordinary woman with four young children, I work two jobs and my husband is self-employed.

We live a fairly normal, but sometimes hectic lifestyle, but this is something I had a passion to do to assist.

All the donations have been transported to Queensland in hamper packs to assist those in need.

Thanks to IGA, Anderson's Removals, Davis Mens Wear Store and everyone else who has helped.

Sue Wilson, Gippsland