East Northport preschool raises $5,032 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in East Northport raised $5,032 in April through its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied fundraising to classroom activities meant to teach young children empathy, kindness and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign shows how early childhood programs can connect classroom learning to community service. - The funds will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The initiative is part of The Learning Experience’s broader philanthropy curriculum, which is designed to teach kindness, inclusion, generosity and giving back.

What happened: - The Learning Experience in East Northport raised $5,032 during its monthlong “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - Preschoolers, families and staff members took part in the effort. - The campaign supported Make-A-Wish.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Preschoolers joined fundraising events and classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Megan Lo and Elena Spinella guided the activities. - Philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua were part of the campaign. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company is committed to childcare and early education that goes beyond academics and is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish. - Since 2018, The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The campaign is also a branding tool for The Learning Experience, linking education, family engagement and philanthropy. - The effort reinforces the company’s message that children can learn empathy through real-world experiences, not just classroom instruction. - The preschool’s fundraising fits into the company’s larger mission to make a positive difference in the communities it serves.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual Make-A-Wish fundraising campaign across its centers. - The company will keep using its philanthropy curriculum to introduce children to community service through age-appropriate activities. - More than 480 centers are open, and more than 240 additional locations are in development across the U.S. and U.K.