Heartbreaking footage of families losing everything as bushfires rage throughout parts of the country has left many anxious to know how they can help those affected.

Key points: Monetary donations can often be one of the most useful ways to help services like charities, fire brigades and animal rescue

Monetary donations can often be one of the most useful ways to help services like charities, fire brigades and animal rescue Charities like Givit can help facilitate the distribution of material goods, while avoiding the donation of unwanted, random items

Charities like Givit can help facilitate the distribution of material goods, while avoiding the donation of unwanted, random items People are encouraged not to drop donated items off to affected areas as this can sometimes hamper efforts

Lives have been lost, homes and business have been destroyed and thousands of people are stranded or in limbo as fires burn in parts of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

But when you're in the fortunate position to give back, is it worth it to reach into your cupboard for those unused items? Or is a cash donation the more effective option?

The needs of first responders and victims are great and varied and it's the services and charities on the frontline who are best placed to know what is needed and where.

That's why monetary donations can often be one of the most useful ways to help but, as Victorian Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville warned, "there are fake charities out there".

Ms Neville encouraged people to only donate to reputable charities, as currently there are some scams involving people doorknocking or calling via phone and claiming to be or represent people who have lost their homes in the bushfires.

Where can you donate?

For those with money to give, donations to the Salvation Army, the Australian Red Cross and state-based brigades like the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Victoria's Country Fire Authority and South Australia's Country Fire Service will go towards bushfire efforts.

Cash through registered funds and official appeals is the best way to help, according to the NSW Office of Emergency Management, as it helps people choose exactly what they need and supports local businesses.

Affected communities often do not have anywhere to put donated toys, clothes and other goods right now, so selling them and using the money raised could be an option for those without spare money to give.

Loading

Red Cross acting chief executive officer Noel Clement said the organisation's joint disaster donation drive with the ABC raised more than $10 million.

You can donate to support Red Cross' disaster relief and recovery work here.

People overseas are also able to donate through the channel.

The Red Cross say, while they are heartened by incredible tokens of kindness and generosity — as people offer foods, clothes and open up their homes — they are not in a position to take and distribute these items.

"Our experience with emergencies shows that donations of money, where possible, help affected communities recover sooner," the charity said.

"This is because people can make their own choices — including purchasing the goods they need for their own families."

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) is also raising money to support affected communities through grants to local not-for-profit groups, running community-led projects.

"It could be support for fatigued volunteer leaders, repairing vital community infrastructure or ensuring psychological support is available when it is most needed," FRRR said on its website.

Is it worth it to give things?

Charities like Givit specialise in goods, but act as a "charity broker" to avoid the trap of unwanted, random items.

The exact items people need are listed via charities and the public can match that or register the items they have, in case someone can use them.

Right now, Givit is running two specific campaigns supporting NSW and Queensland bushfire victims on top of its regular services.

But they've pleaded for people not to drop or send donations to affected areas, and Givit founder and director Juliette Wright said "it is only hampering their response efforts".

Loading

The charity has also reminded anyone with unwanted Christmas gifts, including children's toys and even socks, to consider registering them through the website.

The Red Cross say it will gratefully accept goods like clothing at its retail store, where the funds raised from selling the items can go towards their work, including bushfire relief.

What items are needed now?

A family who has lost everything twice, a firefighter's property and a heavily pregnant young mum are some of those asking for help through Givit's portal.

With many homes in regional areas, items like fencing and pumps are on the wish list, but grocery vouchers, a children's trampoline and even a family-sized tent are all needed by fire victims in northern New South Wales and Queensland.

You can find the full list here.

Some people want to donate water or food to their local fire brigades, but the RFS has requested that people do not do that as they have everything they need right now.

Supporting animal rescue

Again, cash donations are a good place to start, but there is also a need for physical items.

Possum boxes, pellets for livestock and native animal milk replacer are among the items on the RSPCA's wish list for its bushfire donation drive.

You can also donate money to the RSPCA's bushfire appeal.

NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), a not-for-profit where trained volunteers rehabilitate injured wildlife, is also accepting donations to help pay for things including food, medical supplies and vet fees.

Wildlife Victoria say donations to its bushfire relief fund will be distributed to wildlife shelters around the state and carers to help rebuild enclosures and equipment that they have lost in the fires.

RSPCA NSW has urged people not to forget the wellbeing of their pets and other animals.

"If it is uncomfortable for a human to breathe, then it will be uncomfortable for pets too," Sydney Animal Care Services Manager Sharon Andronicos said.

"If you are home, shut your pets inside the house to limit harm from smoke inhalation and so they are close by to exit with you once the danger has passed,

RSPCA NSW said that included animals such as birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, mice, rats, ferrets and reptiles.

Here are some tips if you come across injured wildlife on the road.

Can you volunteer your time?

The Red Cross says it does not send volunteers into emergency situations unless they've passed checks and completed training.

While you might not be able to volunteer immediately, the charity welcomed people to apply for the future.

It's a similar story for volunteering to care for injured animals.

"We are ... receiving many offers from people wanting to volunteer but as native animals are essentially wild and in some cases dangerous, volunteers are required to first complete a Rescue and Immediate Care Course," WIRES spokesperson John Grant said.

If you are close to affected areas, you might like to check local community Facebook pages to see if you can be of help in other ways.