Family overwhelmed by Rotorua's generosity

Gifts from the people of Rotorua have been flooding in for Abigail Hargreaves and her baby Rosalie. Photo/Ben Fraser

A Rotorua family are "overwhelmed" by the generosity that has flooded in after their house was broken into while their baby was receiving chemotherapy.

Abigail Hargreaves was at Starship Hospital in Auckland last week as her nearly six-month-old daughter, Rosalie, was being treated for Wilms Tumour - cancer of the kidney. While away, they said thieves broke into their Western Heights home and stole Christmas presents and food.

Since the Rotorua Daily Post's story this week, gifts, clothes, money and groceries have found their way to the family.

"We are just so overwhelmed by the kindness," Ms Hargreaves, 20, said.

Donations have included a food hamper from the Salvation Army, Chrisco hampers, an Elmo toy, McLeod's Book voucher and a collection of toys and chocolates generously donated by a nine-year-old Rotorua boy.

Riley, who did not wish his last name to be published, accompanied his gift bag with a handwritten letter.

"I helped mow the lawns and do some chores at home so my sister can give me some money so [sic] food and a gift for [Rosalie]," Riley wrote.