Riverton preschool raises $5,001 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Riverton, N.J., raised $5,001 in April through its annual Let’s Grant Wishes campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort combined classroom activities and family donations to teach preschoolers kindness while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign ties early childhood education to community giving. - The $5,001 raised will help support Make-A-Wish efforts for children with critical illnesses. - The program also teaches preschoolers compassion, empathy and service through hands-on activities.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Riverton, New Jersey, raised $5,001 during the center’s month-long Let’s Grant Wishes campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in letter writing, fundraising events and classroom activities centered on helping others. - Center leaders Dakota Faulkes, Alyssa Robb, Hanisha Thakur and Darpan Thakur guided the campaign alongside the mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua.

The details: - 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. - The preschool’s philanthropy curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The company said the program shows children that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - Since 2018, The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish. - The company has more than 480 centers open and over 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The Learning Experience serves children from six weeks to six years old. - Its L.E.A.P. curriculum is designed to support cognitive, social and emotional development. - The company also operates Bubbles and Friends, an educational media platform with original characters, music, video content and a companion app.

Between the lines: - The campaign gives The Learning Experience a way to connect brand identity with community service. - The fundraiser also turns philanthropy into a classroom lesson, which can make the cause more tangible for young children. - The Riverton effort fits a larger national giving program, which suggests the local campaign is part of a broader company strategy.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to continue the annual Let’s Grant Wishes campaign at other centers as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company will keep using early education programs and family participation to support Make-A-Wish and similar community efforts.

The bottom line: - A preschool fundraiser in Riverton became both a lesson in empathy and a donation drive, raising money for Make-A-Wish while reinforcing the school’s broader mission.