Westfield preschool raises $8,329 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Westfield, Indiana, raised $8,329 in April through its annual Let’s Grant Wishes campaign for Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser blended classroom activities with donations and events to teach preschoolers kindness, empathy and community service while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into hands-on philanthropy. - The $8,329 raised will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how preschool programs can teach empathy, generosity and service through real-world giving.

What happened: - The Learning Experience Preschool in Westfield, Indiana, held its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - Preschoolers, families and staff raised $8,329 for Make-A-Wish during the month-long effort. - Children took part in letters, fundraising events and classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Manali Jadawala, Erica Carney, Anna Gamble and Lydia Talcott guided the campaign. - The preschool’s mascots, “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua,” also helped bring the campaign to life.

The details: - The campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The preschool said the program extends learning beyond the classroom and helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - The Learning Experience said the campaign aligns with its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to provide high-quality childcare and early education that goes beyond “the ABCs and 123s.”

Between the lines: - The fundraiser doubles as a brand-wide values program, not just a one-off donation drive. - The campaign gives the company a visible way to connect its education model with community impact. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience network have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish. - The company has more than 480 centers open and more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue using its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company will likely keep tying classroom learning to charitable activities that involve children, families and staff. - The nationwide fundraising total will continue to grow as more centers take part in future campaigns.

The bottom line: - A Westfield preschool turned a month-long classroom campaign into meaningful support for Make-A-Wish while teaching young children how to give back.