Elzette and her husband Murray had just been forced to sell 90 per cent of their cattle and 50 per cent of their sheep from their drought-struck property near Cumnock, which like a great proportion of rural Australia was suffering due to lack of rain.

The Connans at that point had only received a third of their normal 650mm rainfall.

The arrival of an unexpected gift from a WA friend worked wonders on lifting her spirits and she thought other drought affected women would benefit from a similar "surprise".

In wanting to assist this endeavour, Deb is asking the Eurobodalla community to show these amazing women they are supported during this difficult and soul destroying time.

For some of these women, even a new toothbrush is a luxury as every dollar is spent on trying keep their farms afloat and livestock alive.

The idea is to fill a shoe box with "pampering" items for these women who are doing it tough.

This is not about high-end expensive items, a toothbrush or hand cream, a bottle of shampoo or facial wipes would be wonderful for them.

Simply :

The cut off date is December 3 to enable sorting and delivery before Christmas.

It started with a box filled with gorgeous yellow items and hand-written note saying "sending you a bit a sunshine".

"I got a box a few months ago from a friend in Western Australia, which was filled with everything yellow from tea to chocolates and coffee mugs," Elzette said.

"When that box arrived it was the perfect time, you have no idea, it made a big difference. I wanted to do something similar to the box I received as it made a huge impact on my life, but I didn't know what to do," Mrs Connan said.

Mrs Connan contacted Tracey, who jumped on board straight away and it all "snowballed from there".