Organiser Captain Grant Andrews had feared another bitterly cold day like last year would discourage door-knockers from venturing out to collect.

But the day proved to be unseasonably warm and sunny, yet collector numbers were still down.

Captain Andrews said he had the same number of volunteers across his region, which runs from Picton right across the Southern Highlands, as last year.

"Roughly, we had about 160 people, but to cover this area, we need around 250," he said.

Captain Andrews said he would still try to find volunteers to cover areas in Bowral, including East Bowral and the area around Bradman Oval during the week.

Mittagong and Moss Vale were well-covered on the weekend, thanks to several couples and groups who did more than one area.

"There was one couple in Moss Vale who did three areas in the hilliest part of the town," Captain Andrews said.

"They said it was good exercise."

He encouraged any East Bowral residents in particular, who wanted to help out this week by collecting in their neighborhood to contact him on 4861 1746, and leave a message, to arrange to help.

He also encouraged people who wanted to donate to use the special envelopes to send their donation to the Illawarra regional office for processing.

Captain Andrews said the garden club in Bundanoon had made a particular effort to get around the entire town, and the NSW Fire Brigade in Mittagong and Bowral had pitched in.

The money collected in the Southern Highlands will stay in the local area, distributed through welfare programs, food relief, the donation of food and clothing through family stores, and general donations as needed.

Captain Andrews said this year's local collecting target for the Red Shield Appeal was $50,000, a significant increase on last year's total of $42 000.

As of last night they had counted $12,915, and Captain Andrews said there was still plenty more to come in.