Hannibal children who are getting ready for kindergarten will benefit from a grant awarded by the George H. Riedel Foundation.
St. John’s School received a $9,500 grant that will help start up an additional morning-only preschool. The grant will provide furnishings and supplies, as well as a new curriculum. The school will also use the money to erect a fence along the street for playground safety.
“Because of our location in Hannibal, we have a large opportunity to support our community with affordable preschool/daycare in an area close to where families live and work, and a safe playground that is open to the community for use after hours,” said Principal Cheryl Mack. “This program is especially important in lower social-economic households.”
St. John’s currently offers full-time preschool and daycare. This grant will help families that only require a part-time morning preschool for two or three mornings a week. They expect to serve an additional 30 children. The new class will open in August.
“George Riedel was a member of St. John’s Church,” said Riedel Trustee Bill Criagmiles. “He wanted his legacy used to help children. He would be very happy to see this grant go to the school.”