Volunteers from the community, Central Union Church and the church preschool and kindergarten are helping construct a fence today around school buildings that were damaged by a fire Oct. 22.

The fence is being erected to protect the safety of individuals and enclose the area for future demolition and construction It is also the first step towards getting the school ready for the return of its 180 students, event organizers said.

"Generous donations from City Mill and the Tony Auto Group have provided us with the materials to construct the safety fence around the perimeter of the future construction zone," said Preschool Director Marie Hook. "We are extremely thankful for their donation and the assistance of so many volunteers to get the fence built in such a short timeframe."

Eventually the school plans to have families from the Central Union Preschool 'ohana assist with creating a mural on the fence that will become a symbol of a coming together to create a new future and will also help make the fence look friendlier to the students at the school.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to help the school rebuild can do so in person at any Bank of Hawaii branch or via mail to Bank of Hawaii, P.O. Box 3830, HI 96812. Donations are also being accepted by Central Union Church Preschool at 1660 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826. For information, e-mail Suzanne Tobin at suzanne-tobin@centralunionchurch.org or call 941-0957.