The branch opened its 44th annual Combined Charities Christmas Card Shop at the Old Council Chambers last week, with the help of Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler.

Branch member Gwen Hinchliffe, who managed the shop for 30 of those years, said it was still going strong, averaging $6000 a year for its participating charities.

"The last few years it's been a bit lower because people are sending emails, but really, they like to feel they're helping these charities by buying their cards, and they are helping," she said.

Fellow members Heidi Smith and Vicki Robb said they liked to receive cards at Christmas.

"It's nice to actually receive a card rather than an email - it's much more personal," Ms Smith said.

"I feel touched by that, I think that's really thoughtful," Ms Robb said.

The shop supports the charities The Red Cross, Save the Children, Children's Medical Research, St Vincent de Paul, Frontier Services, the Leprosy Mission, Cystic Fibrosis and the Bible Society through the cards they provide to the shop. Kiama Presbyterian Church volunteers help run the shop during the four weeks. For their efforts they also receive a percentage of the shop's proceeds.

Ms Smith said the shop also helped to give the causes much-needed exposure.

"Having our name out there is a reminder of how people can help out," she said.

The shop will not be restocked as cards run low, so Ms Robb urged customers to "spend up quick".

"You have to get in early because we do sell out."

The shop will be open from 10am to 4pm until December 6.