The Niagara Nursery School is one big step closer to reaching its fundraising goal of $100,000, after receiving a major donation of $10,000.

The contribution, by the O’Neill and Houghton Family, brings the non-profit preschool's total raised so far to $19,397.

Candice Penny, executive director of the school, said she's thankful for the help.

“We are just so grateful for all of the support that we've been experiencing with the expansion, whether it's through donation or just in general,” Penny said. 

Donations have been coming from as far away as British Columbia and people have also been sending in their own class photos of when they attended Niagara Nursery School, she said, adding it's nice to see how far-reaching the impact of the school has been.

The money will go toward a $2-million expansion of the school at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, which will allow the facility to accommodate 30 more children, for a total of 69.

Now, the school only has room for 39 children (but no infants and toddlers) and it has more than 140 children on a waitlist.

Once the expansion is completed, the school will be able to accommodate 10 infants, 15 toddlers, 24 preschoolers and 20 school-aged children.

Penny said she hopes more people will continue to support the expansion, to help the school meet its goal.

“We know it's not the easiest of times right now with COVID and it's just so heartwarming. And just even hearing the stories of people who have attended, it's just been so lovely. We love hearing those stories, so please keep them coming.”