The community has rallied together to help a children's nursery get back on its feet after being burgled for the second time in less than a week.

On Wednesday burglars stole the only remaining computer and a host of cleaning products from Kiddie Academy. Yet in the midst of bad times, owner Sharon DeSilva admits dozens of people from the community have come forward to help.

"I feel like these people have given me the strength to go on. So many e-mails with people telling me 'I am an angel' and this shouldn't happen to me just gives me strength to keep going, because sometimes I feel I am in a losing battle," said Mrs. DeSilva.

Premier Ewart Brown stopped by the school on Wednesday and said the Government's Information Technology Department was willing to donate a computer. Dr. Brown said: "I dropped by to say hello to the staff and encourage them to press on. Minister Michael Scott offered to replace a desk and a laptop computer damaged in the fire. Our community has a long history of quietly helping neighbours and this is just another small example of that."

Security company Integrated Cabling and Security Solutions (ICSS) has offered to donate a new security system, while TOPS Ltd. has offered to donate free photocopying services, a photocopier, file folders, cabinets, stationery and paper.

President Jim Ferguson said they were happy to help out: "Our staff felt strongly that we should provide assistance to Mrs. DeSilva who has obviously been devastated by the actions of these heartless individuals."

Michael Outerbridge, owner of Mystix Designs, has offered to paint a mural of child-friendly characters on the walls to create a "happy, cheerful environment" for the kids. He said: "First and foremost what has happened in itself is a travesty. Also, my daughter used to go there 16 years ago, so I just wanted to give back."

The Laffan Street nursery was also burgled last week when culprits entered in through a sliding door upstairs and toddler door downstairs, stealing a laptop, $100 cash, food, drink, cleaning supplies and diaper bags. The culprits also set client documents on fire.

It took staff, their families and some good Samaritans the entire weekend to clean the property, but smoke damage downstairs left many parents still concerned for their children's safety.

Mount Saint Agnes stepped in this week and allowed Kiddie Academy to use their auditorium today and yesterday and is currently housing half of the 90 children enrolled at the nursery around 40 children between three months and two-years-old.

Lisa Bardgett, director of Development at MSA said: "Kiddie Academy is our neighbour, so immediately upon hearing about the fire and burglary at the preschool the principal, Sue Moench, called asking if they needed any help or support.

"We have been fortunate enough not to have been victims to any burglars, however, we do have a concern about the neighbourhood, and have reported the homeless people coming in and out of the derelict homes. We are always concerned with the welfare and safety of our students," she said.

Dozens of other companies and members of the public have also come forward to help the nursery in the past few days. Parent Jason Kyme helped transport supplies to MSA, siblings Kevin and Vicki Ledo helped on their last few days of summer vacation and Heidi Andrade and Terry Norsworthy are donating a laptop and computer to the school.

Mrs. DeSilva has also received calls and help from Ray's General Trucking, Capital G, Bank of Bermuda, Trafalgar Tours, Emerald Financial Services, Mahagony Enterprises, STS Communication Ltd., Coconut Rock and Assured Quality Cleaners.

Anyone interested in donating to Kiddie Academy is asked to e-mail Mrs. DeSilva at sharond@northrock.bm. Police are appealing for anyone with information on either burglary to contact the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.