Vandals attacked a Christmas display outside a respite centre for children with special needs.
Staff said they were shocked after an inflatable snowman at Hannah House in Rothwell, Leeds, was slashed in the weekend incident.
Senior staff nurse Alison Parker said: “I was absolutely devastated, I could have cried.
“We have our Christmas party coming up and the display just adds to the atmosphere.
“A lot of the children are visually impaired and something like the snowman is really good for stimulating them. It’s just so upsetting that anyone could do something like this.”
Run by Leeds Community Healthcare, the Coppice Head facility provides a home-from-home for children with complex health needs, including severe learning disabilities, who require planned or emergency short-break care.
Children have their own bedrooms and take part in new activities and are encouraged to form new relationships.
The incident, which happened overnight on Saturday, has been reported to police.
Ms Parker added: “A lot of the children will be aware that the snowman has gone and be wondering why.”