Hamilton preschool raises $5,000 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, raised $5,000 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort mixed fundraising with classroom activities to teach preschoolers about kindness, empathy and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into a hands-on lesson in philanthropy. - The $5,000 raised will support Make-A-Wish and help grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort also reinforced The Learning Experience’s broader mission to make a positive difference in children’s lives and local communities.

What happened: - Preschoolers at The Learning Experience in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, took part in the annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” fundraising campaign in April. - Preschoolers, families and staff members raised $5,000 for Make-A-Wish over the month-long campaign. - The campaign included donations, fundraising events and classroom activities.

The details: - Center leaders Reena Rai, Raymonda Gady, Trisha Wray and Jessica Ricciardi guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” helped bring the program to life. - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Children also took part in activities focused on compassion and helping others. - The “Let’s Grant Wishes” effort is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The company said children learn that small acts of giving can help others and strengthen their communities. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The campaign gives The Learning Experience a way to connect classroom learning with community service. - The fundraiser also serves as a brand-wide proof point for the company’s focus on values-based early education. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps create a meaningful difference in the communities the company serves and inspires the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue using its annual campaign and philanthropy curriculum to support Make-A-Wish and similar community-building efforts. - The company operates more than 480 centers and has more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The Learning Experience serves children from 6 weeks to 6 years old through its L.E.A.P. curriculum and related learning programs.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser became both a community donation drive and an early lesson in empathy.