Manahawkin preschool raises $6,554 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Stafford Township raised $6,554 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort blended classroom activities, family donations and staff participation to teach children philanthropy while supporting wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser connected early childhood education with real-world philanthropy. - The campaign raised money for Make-A-Wish children living with critical illnesses. - The effort also gave preschoolers hands-on lessons in kindness, empathy and community service.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Stafford Township, New Jersey, raised $6,554 during the center’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The campaign supported Make-A-Wish and helped fund life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. - The Learning Experience said the effort reflects its mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and communities.

The details: - Children took part in classroom activities tied to the campaign. - Preschoolers wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Families and staff supported the effort through donations and fundraising events. - Center leaders Sara Durnien, Shaleen Conklin, Brooke Riker, Colleena Lieter, Enjolic Campa and Haley Hetrick guided the campaign. - The preschool’s philanthropic mascots, “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua,” were part of the program. - The “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The Learning Experience has raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish nationwide since 2018.

Between the lines: - The program is designed to make charitable giving part of the daily learning environment, not just a one-time fundraiser. - The campaign also serves as a branding tool for The Learning Experience’s broader early education model, which emphasizes social and emotional development alongside academics. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company wants to provide high-quality childcare that goes beyond the basics and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to continue its annual Make-A-Wish fundraising campaign across centers nationwide. - The company’s broader philanthropy curriculum will keep tying classroom learning to community service.

The bottom line: - A single preschool campaign in Manahawkin raised thousands for Make-A-Wish while teaching young children that helping others is part of learning.