ABC Kawaha Point staff were left horrified after discovering their building had been covered in graffiti while they attended a funeral.
But their faith in humanity was quickly restored as the community rallied around them to clean the graffiti off.
Centre manager Kate Forrest said staff had spent yesterdayat the centre preparing food for a funeral they were attending.
"As we arrived we came face to face with this horrible act of graffiti.
"We all stood in shock, sadness and anger at the sight."
Miss Forrest said it was hard to see someone do that in the place they spent their days with "the most precious children".
"It was hard to see the reaction of the children this morning all wondering why someone had done this.
"Understanding that we would now have to clean this off, many children and their parents had sadness in their eyes."
She said the vandalism was a blow because the centre worked so hard to give back to its community.
"Part of our centre philosophy is to instil the value of helping others and as a centre we are always out helping the community and donating our time to support as many people as we can, so for this to happen to our little centre that we deeply value has been heartbreaking for us all."
Pictures of the damage were posted on Facebook this morning and "within minutes" members of the community began arriving to help clean the walls.
"We are truly grateful and amazed by the huge support we have received from the community.
"We would like to thank all those who came together to help clear off the graffiti and we want to thank each and every one of you who sent their thoughts to our centre at this time.
"We are hopeful that the people or person who committed this horrible act takes ownership for what they have done and the hurt they have caused."