into its pockets so it can continue to provide for its children.

The Giving Tree Nursery School, which is located in St. George's, is a charitable organisation and provides for its youngsters through donations from local businesses and the public.

The nursery was facing an uncertain future over a year ago when it was awaiting approval of its application to be considered a charitable organisation, which it has since gained.

Now organisers say it is a matter of successfully continuing the flow of donations in order to give quality care for the nearly two dozen children that attend the school.

Giving Tree teacher Erica Burchall said one factor that has presented a challenge to the organisation is the high cost of rent it pays for the two storey house -- now transformed into a nursery facility -- which it occupies.

"We are just starting to get back on our feet,'' she said. "Rent is extremely high and our only source of income is from donations. Ideally we'd like to move somewhere that is a little less expensive.'' Ms Burchall noted that parents were very supportive in volunteering and often gave up their time in exchange for the cost of the weekly nursery fees.

"We have some parents that will come in and clean or help us with the children in exchange for fees,'' she said. "They help us and we help them.

It's definitely a family here.

"If it wasn't for the parents and the public, we wouldn't be open,'' she continued. "We are definitely a charity school.

"We've been putting out a lot of flyers and stuff,'' she said. "We've been getting $500 here and $1,000 there. With the money we get from charity, we'd like to get a lot of things for the school but we still need a lot of help.

"So we have held charity walks and fund raisers, anything to build money.

"It's been frustrating at times and that's why we're asking and appealing for everyone's assistance.'' Anyone interested in donating to the Giving Tree Nursery are encouraged to call 297-4483.

EDUCATION ED