After the service mourners will be invited to gather at the Bega RSL to remember the children’s lives and to offer condolences to the family.

There have been a number of organisations such as the Bega Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and the Bega Chamber of Commerce that have pledged their support, but more is needed.

There is bound to be a huge number of people at the funeral and the wake, so the call has gone out for those who are handy in the kitchen to make some sandwiches or perhaps bake a cake or make a slice or some biscuits.

The funeral time is yet to be confirmed, but will be announced soon.

Anyone who wishes to donate food for the wake can drop it off to the RSL on the morning of the funeral.

No matter what it is that you may be able to offer, it will be greatly appreciated.

Donations roll in

Donations to the Karen Bell appeal have begun rolling in to the offices of Bega District News.

From small amounts of $2 or so to one woman, who wished to remain anonymous, who placed a $100 note on the counter.

The Salvation Army has given $200 to the appeal while the Anglican community of the Bega Valley will be dedicating the Bega 9.30am service on Sunday to the memory of the Bell children and all are invited to be part of this service.

The Parish will be making a donation but added to that there will be a retiring collection.

For further information contact the treasurer Allen Collins on 6494 4363 or at allenwcollins@bigpond.com

One donation to the BDN office had a heartfelt note attached telling Karen Bell the community was thinking of her.

The appeal was launched as the result of an emotional phone call to Bega District News last week.

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.

The three local papers in the region are accepting donations to help Ms Bell with any financial problems she will face in the coming months.

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

The staff at Bega District News has also taken 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.