The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, a registered charity which makes its home in the former Elliot School building on the corner of Jubilee and Parsons Roads in Devonshire, is under attack.

Three times in the past two weeks thieves have broken into the building and not only helped themselves to a large quantity of kitchen items but also damaged the building as they smashed their way through internal doors.

"It makes me truly heartbroken to share such uninspiring news," founder-director Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts said. "With so many great things happening at KAF, so many people and companies coming on board to help and volunteer, this is particularly disheartening."

The losses are particularly galling because, as Bermuda's newest arts foundation, Mrs. Rodriguez, her team of instructors and willing volunteers have worked very hard with very little capital to make the building functional.

In addition to the many fine exhibitions mounted in its Elliot Gallery, Kaleidoscope is also a place where children and adults participate in various creative classes and workshops; where artists meet and discuss issues which concern them; and the place where families can be creative together on Sundays, to name but a few activities at this busy centre.

Recently, over 40 staff members from XL volunteered their time for a day to help create a garden area on the adjoining spare ground, using materials and time donated by other companies and volunteers.

Like any charity in today's financially challenging world, Kaleidoscope can ill afford to lose what it has to thieves, and it certainly cannot simply replace the missing items or repair the damage whenever break-ins occur.

As a result of the recent spate of burglaries, and its ongoing needs, Mrs. Rodriguez-Roberts is turning to the public for assistance with the following wish list:

Wooden Dutch doors (2) from Gorham's

Solid core door and door frame

Deadbolt lock (keyed on both sides)

Carpenter to install new door and frame, and make kitchen cupboard door

Electrician to change light fixtures

Plumber to install three sinks

Wooden shelves, or someone to help make them

Gardening tools

Picnic/outdoor tables and umbrellas

Microwave

Trash cans

Kettle

White sheets

Bartenders for Elliot Gallery openings

To contact Mrs. Rodriguez-Roberts telephone 236-5963 or e-mail director@kaf.bm.