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Natalie Bell personal travel agent
The Midcounties Co-operative, Darlington Homeworker co-runs Santa’s Appeal for kids in need
For eight years Natalie Bell and Lindy Kell helped to run a Christmas appeal for new toys and gifts for needy children via their travel agency in Darlington. Both now work as personal travel agents for Midcounties Co-operative – but they
are not letting the fact they work from home stop them from running their ninth appeal this Christmas. After signing up four businesses on the high street as collection points, organising a leaflet drop, and designing posters to promote Santa’s Suitcase Appeal, the homeworkers have already collected four bin liners full of children’s toys and women’s presents.
All the gifts will go to people in need in Darlington this Christmas, split between Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington children’s services and a women’s refuge. “I have two children and the thought of them not having anything to open on Christmas Day breaks my heart,” says Natalie, who joined Midcounties as a homeworker in July this year and is mum to Imogen, five, and Jack, one. “Just because I work from home now I didn’t want it to be any different. People
knew we did it and asked about it. Lindy and I were so passionate about it between us and we wanted to continue that. We put our heads together, picked some local businesses to help us and went from there.” The pair are running the appeal around their jobs, offering to pick up toys and gifts
from people’s homes if necessary. “At this time of year it is a little quieter but we always make time to do this appeal,”
says Natalie, who now works from an office next to her kitchen. Every year, Natalie is astounded by the generosity of local people, who give anything
Natalie’s CV
●2014 to date: personal travel agent (homeworker), The Midcounties Co-operative, Darlington
●2005-14: assistant manager, The Co-operative Travel, Darlington
●2004-05: team leader, Holidays by Phone, Darlington
●2002-04: call centre agent, First Choice, Stockton
from baby toys and crayons to sweets and toiletries.
“It’s an appeal that has always
worked. Once we say the gifts stay in Darlington it strikes a chord with people,” says Natalie. “We always say ‘this year we might not do as well’, because people have fallen on hard times due to the economy, but then they amaze me with what they give.” She adds: “It’s really humbling
how many people this appeal will touch. Women often come into the refuge with nothing but the clothes on their back.”
✪ Use your contacts: We have asked local businesses and family who have businesses to act as collection points.
✪ Be passionate about your cause: If it’s something you feel strongly about, you are more likely to be able to encourage support from others.
TIPS ON HOW TO RUN YOUR OWN XMAS APPEAL
✪ Set clear goals: Decide who you want to help and what you hope to do. Contact the organisation(s) you wish to support to find out what they really need and how your appeal could help.
✪ Plan publicity: Make use of any publicity opportunities, contact your local newspaper, and create some strong visuals to promote the appeal in your town or online.
Natalie Bell (left) and Lindy Kell show off some of the gifts donated this year
Would you like to be profiled on Readers’ Lives? Tell us why it should be you! Email:
juliet.dennis@
travelweekly.co.uk
36 •
travelweekly.co.uk — 11 December 2014
READERS’ LIVES
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