AS A result of an emotional phone call to Bega District News yesterday, the three local papers in the region have opened an appeal to help Karen Bell with any financial problems she will face in the coming months.

A young woman, who did not wish to be identified, rang the editor of Bega District News and asked if something could be done to help.

“I didn’t really know Karen,” she said.

“But I know that so many people feel so sad and have been touched by the tragedy that they would like to help in some way.”

The woman, who has an eight-year-old son, said she didn’t want to take any credit for suggesting the appeal, she simply wanted to do whatever she could to help.

To kickstart the appeal, Fairfax Media, the parent company of the three papers, will contribute $300.

The staff at Bega District News is taking up a collection which will add to the appeal.

Other businesses and organisations are encouraged to do the same.

Donations made out to the Karen Bell Appeal can be dropped into the offices of the Bega District News, Merimbula News Weekly and the Eden Magnet.

Alternatively, donations can be mailed to the addresses of the offices published in each of the papers.