Free fuel, meals, and animal feed are among the supplies donated to people affected by bushfires and volunteer firefighters in the Gold Coast hinterland and further west at Stanthorpe as the emergency situation continues to unfold.

Key points: People across the Gold Coast and Stanthorpe are spontaneously donating to those hit by fires and volunteer firefighters

People across the Gold Coast and Stanthorpe are spontaneously donating to those hit by fires and volunteer firefighters Local charities and businesses are acting as collection points for water and other supplies

Local charities and businesses are acting as collection points for water and other supplies Charity group GIVIT is coordinating donations for fire-affected areas

Casey Popielnicki was leaving the supermarket at Pimpama Junction on the northern Gold Coast when she met a family gathering donations for firefighters working in Canungra.

"This is why I love my community so much. We all watch out for each other," she said.

"Thank you everyone for doing a small part to help out those risking their lives to save our homes and lives."

After numerous similar spontaneous acts of generosity, authorities are appealing for a co-ordinated response to donations.

In the Granite Belt town of Stanthorpe, where fires continue to threaten properties, locals have set up a drop-in point at the local showgrounds to feed other affected residents and prepare fresh lunches for those fighting them.

Stanthorpe resident Jason Rogers suggested the idea on Facebook on Saturday night.

"It has just got out of control," he said.

Stanthorpe residents coordinating local donations as the fires keep burning. ( ABC News: Mark Leonardi )

Local businesses, major retailers and residents are donating fresh fruit, sandwiches and slabs of water, as well as bacon, eggs and sausages.

Other residents have been cooking up food for people forced to leave their homes, and preparing lunch boxes for the Rural Fire Service volunteers.

"They saved my house, I'd do anything for them," Applethorpe school teacher Tracey Labuschagne said.

She said the fire burnt to within metres of her house.

'People have been making gestures'

Canungra Op Shop Manager Caroline Andrew said the community was rallying together at a time of crisis.

A note left with a water donation at Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade's depot. ( Supplied: Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade )

"People have been making gestures such as just giving cash to the local petrol station and saying if any of the firefighters or if anyone comes in that has been affected by the fires, just pay the bill for whatever it is they need," Ms Andrew said.

"At a couple of the cafes, people are giving money saying if anyone needs a meal, it's covered."

The Op Shop will be collecting non-perishable food donations and raising money for a local community organisation.

"There was this concern that maybe larger organisations, money would be given to and it would be lost in administrative red tape and they realised we're grassroots, we're there, and they knew that we could be trusted," Ms Andrew said.

"Whatever is given to us will actually go to people who need it."

The local hardware store is collecting donations to provide animal feed and care for injured wildlife.

One rural fire station on the Gold Coast was surprised to find donations of food and water outside their door on Saturday morning.

Stacks of food donated by locals in Stanthorpe. ( ABC News: Mark Leonardi )

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community," the Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade posted on Facebook.

"This is what our firefighter found outside our station this morning before they changed over to assist with the Canungra Fire. Thank you all!"

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen urged people wanting to help to contact charity group GIVIT, which would co-ordinating donations.

"The generosity and compassion that we're witnessing is truly touching," Councillor Christensen said.

"But please channel it the right way so that it's at its most helpful."

"We prefer that people who are offering support go via GIVIT — that allows us to have a structured response."

Donated water left at Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade. ( Supplied: Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade )

A GIVIT online post warned that dropping off unsolicited donations in fire zones could hamper the emergency response.

"GIVIT is supporting services responding to the current bushfire emergencies in Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

"Please do not drop donations to affected areas."

Councillor Christensen said people who have been displaced from their homes for several days by the fires had been well-supported locally.

"They have been very patient, they have been very calm," he said.

"They have gratefully been supported by the community to give them shelter and to support them with their animals and everything else."