Support has flooded in for a Rotorua kohanga targeted by thieves this week, with locals donating $1700 in cash on Friday.
Aorangi Kohanga on Gem St was broken into early on Tuesday and "cleaned out" by thieves who left the pre-school with next to nothing.
Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy said
the offenders broke in through a window between 3am and 8am. Police inquiries are ongoing.
The offenders took everything from food and tea- towels to cutlery, cleaning supplies, first-aid equipment, toilet paper, nappies, blankets and mattresses, a television set, a DVD, radio and heaters.
The kohanga has had to close for the rest of the week while staff figure out what to do.
Rotary Club of Rotorua Lakes youth director Mark Gould presented the kohanga with a few things to help get it back on its feet, saying club members decided to help after hearing of the burglary.
The club has donated a television, camera, toys, toilet paper, soap, tea-towels and chocolates for the children.
"It's just something small to start them off," Mr Gould said.
"It's such a shame someone targeted the kindy."
Kohanga supervisor Sue Weko said the kohanga had also been given $1700 in cash plus food and other supplies and she was thrilled with the response.
"It's awesome."
She said the donations meant the kohanga would be able to open again on Monday.
Kaiako (teacher) Miriana O'Brien said she didn't expect so many people to come forward with donations.
"People have been sending in whatever they can," she said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can phone (07) 348 2542.
Anyone with information about the burglary or those responsible is asked to contact the Rotorua police, phone (07) 348 0099.
