Woodbridge Township preschool raises $5,047 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, raised $5,047 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The preschool says the effort helps teach children kindness and empathy while supporting wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign links early childhood education with community giving. - The funds support Make-A-Wish and help grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The fundraiser also teaches preschoolers kindness, empathy and service through hands-on participation.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Woodbridge Township raised $5,047 during a monthlong campaign in April. - The effort was part of the preschool’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” fundraiser benefiting Make-A-Wish. - The campaign included letters to wish children, fundraising events and classroom activities focused on compassion.

The details: - Center leaders Meeta Kalawadia, Emma Bekesy, Evena Cenesca, Tiffany Malcolm and Jessica Wargo guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” were part of the activities. - The Learning Experience said the campaign reflects its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and communities. - The “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign is part of the company’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The company says the hands-on format helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen their communities. - Since 2018, The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser is also a branding tool for The Learning Experience, showing how the preschool extends learning beyond academics. - The campaign fits a broader trend in early education programs that pair classroom lessons with real-world community service. - The company’s scale gives the effort national reach, with 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 likely to continue the annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - Future campaigns may build on the nationwide fundraising total and local participation model. - The company will keep using classroom and family engagement to support charitable giving and early learning goals.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser became a lesson in empathy, while sending real money to Make-A-Wish.