People and businesses who sprang into action after playground equipment was stolen from Hanan Kindergarten have been thanked with a special morning tea.

A large wooden box and two large wooden planks, worth about $1000, were stolen at the end of January.

Head teacher Jill Conor said the kindy wanted to thank the 11 businesses and individuals who had supported them with donations and offers to help, so held morning tea on Thursday.

One guest, who declined to give his name, said he and his wife donated money as his wife attended the kindy in the 1950s. He described the burglars as "low down".

Timaru South School principal Mike Hogan said the pupils arranged a mufti day and raised $216.

Meanwhile Placemakers owner operator Brendan Leary said the business donated a large amount of plywood to build equipment.

Brad Dennison and Glen Welch, of Dennison Joinery, both had children at the kindy.

Welch said his three boys had attended the kindy, and his daughter was attending now.

"We built some of the original boxes so might as well build some more," Welch said.

Hanan Kindergarten committee chairperson Marie Rapley said: "It's been amazing actually, really heart warming."

Work would begin in the playground over the next few weeks.

— Stuff