Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to donate and drop off essential items to their nearest Bunnings store as part of a collection for a charity supporting domestic violence victims.

I Got Your Back Pack supports the most critical survivors of domestic violence with emergency care packs filled with practical and essential items

This month they are holding a Care Packs Collection in the lead up to Christmas, asking the local community to make a donation of essential items to their local Bunnings store.

IGYBP distributes the care packs to those who need urgent refuge under crisis circumstances and have had to leave their homes with very little (if any) personal possessions.

CEO and Founder of I Got Your Back Pack, Anita Hinton, says the incredible support from Bunnings has been crucial in allowing IGYBP to start our first holistic wrap around safe haven for survivors of domestic violence.

'This has been a huge dream of ours. We will be opening this in the beginning of 2021, in part thanks to the support from Bunnings and their genuine community spirit.

'The Christmas Care Pack collection drive means we will be able to provide even more free care packs to domestic violence services, hospitals, police and social services to help New Zealanders in need”.

Bunnings NZ Director Jacqui Coombes says the work of I Got Your Back Pack is incredibly important to the community.

'We are proud to support this vital community initiative to help I Got Your Back Pack to continue the great work they do which has never been more needed.”

I Got Your Back Pack is looking for a range of items for different types of care packs, including, Women's, Men's, Kid's, and Baby care packs.

This includes items like women's and men's hygiene and grooming products, pens, kids toys, socks, baby care items and reading books for children.

The collection runs until Sunday, December 20.

Items can be dropped off at all Bunnings stores across the country.