SAN DIEGO -- Thanks to an overwhelming response from the community, students at Encanto Elemenatary have recovered their losses and more after a janitor stole thousands of dollars.

It was a celebration for Encanto Elementary students, teachers and staff as they thanked the community who rallied behind them during a difficult time.

"Everyone who has heard our story reached out," said Jean Madden, Encanto Elementary principal.

Last summer, the school janitor stole about a dozen checks totaling $8,000.

San Diego city school janitor Edgar Castro was arrested and convicted of forging checks worth thousands of dollars.

Dwight Streeter and his wife helped students by donating $4,000 back to the school fund.

The donations will help pay for uniforms, fifth-grade graduation and other school activities.

Fifth-grader Danielle Damper couldn't be more thankful.

"I think it's amazing so many people donated money," Damper said.

In all, the school lost $8,100; however, the community helped raise $12,000 in donations to be used for the students.