Welcome Bay Kindergarten, one of not-for-profit Inspired Kindergartens' early learning centres, is asking the community to donate quality children's books and puzzles to sell at its upcoming Open Day that will double as the facility's 30-year celebration.

'Our kindergarten has been operating for 30 years this month, so we're combining our anniversary celebrations with a fundraiser by creating an Open Day on Saturday, December 3 from 10am-2pm with cake cutting at 11am,” says Andrea Neal, a key event organiser and president of the Welcome Bay Kindergarten Committee.

Welcome Bay Kindergarten opened in 1992 after a labour of love by the Welcome Bay community. Staff, friends and family of the Kindergarten teamed up 30 years ago to lend a hand – constructing the building together.

Today, Welcome Bay Kindergarten has six teachers and is licensed for 40 children.

Andrea says many of the team and families who originally built Welcome Bay Kindergarten still live in the area 'and many have had several generations through the kindergarten”.

'The Open Day provides an opportunity for the community to return to the kindergarten. To reminisce over what was, and what has changed over the past three decades.

'We're inviting local families to pop in to see what the kindergarten is like, meet the teachers as well as connect with current families attending.”

Open Day event highlights include a kids' book and puzzle sale, sausage sizzle, plus vege/flower seedlings and baking for sale, and face painting.

Funds raised on the day will go towards upgrading the kindergarten's sandpit area. 'Built around 18 years ago our much-loved sand pit area is in need of an upgrade.”

The kindergarten is gratefully accepting donated quality children's books and puzzles for the sale on the Open Day.

'If you're having a spring clean or pre-Christmas clear-out, we'd love to receive your quality unwanted kids' goods,” says Andrea.

Donations can be dropped off at Welcome Bay Kindergarten, 15 Portland St, Welcome Bay, from Monday to Friday. Or, at Beca on Harrington St, Downtown Tauranga, until November 18.

'I'm also happy to pick up large donations within Tauranga, the Mount and Papamoa,” says Andrea.

For a large donation pick-up, contact Welcome Bay Kindergarten on 07 544 1959.