Waldwick preschool raises $10,122 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Waldwick, New Jersey, raised $10,122 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied classroom learning to philanthropy, giving preschoolers a hands-on lesson in kindness while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into a real-world lesson in empathy, generosity and service. - The $10,122 raised in Waldwick adds to a national fundraiser that has brought in more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish since 2018. - The money helps grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Waldwick raised $10,122 during the preschool’s month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - The campaign took place in Waldwick, New Jersey. - The initiative was part of The Learning Experience’s annual philanthropy effort.

The details: - Children took part in handwritten letters to wish children, fundraising events and classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Lynn Ann Zazzali, Kerry Flanagan, Christine Pedalino, Sophia Palughi and Alessandra Rodriguez guided the campaign. - The preschool used philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” to help bring the effort to life. - The Learning Experience said the campaign reflects its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and the communities it serves. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to provide early education that goes beyond academics and to inspire the next generation of philanthropists. - The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The company said the program teaches children that small acts of giving can strengthen their communities.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser doubles as brand-building and values training, connecting the company’s classroom model to community giving. - The effort shows how preschool programs can use philanthropy to teach social-emotional skills in a tangible way. - The national Make-A-Wish total suggests the Waldwick campaign is one piece of a broader, recurring fundraising network.

What’s next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign at centers nationwide. - The company will keep using its philanthropy curriculum to link classroom activities with community service. - The Learning Experience now operates more than 480 centers and has more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The company serves children from six weeks to six years old.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser delivered both money for Make-A-Wish and a lesson in giving back.