The youngsters at TopKids Stratford wore their pyjamas all day on Friday for a themed mufti day to help out Stratford Community Foodbank.
Families were asked to send their pyjama-clad children with an item to be donated to the foodbank as part of a new "pay it forward" initiative at the centre.
Centre manager, Hilary Bourke, says the centre plans to hold regular fundraising events in support of local charities, community organisations and people in need.
"Through this we hope to teach our children about being charitable, compassionate and kind."
Hilary says the initiative will support the children in developing early concepts of the value of fairness, as well as an increasing ability to understand other people's points of view.
"It helps them in emphasising with others and feeling a sense of responsibility for the well-being of people in the wider community."
Hilary says the children are practicing manaakitanga. showing respect, generosity and care for others.
"It also helps us to develop our relationships within the local community and spread the spirit of generosity that is so characteristic of the Stratford district."