The Learning Experience Lutz raises $9,349 for Make-A-Wish

Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Lutz raised $9,349 in April through the center’s annual Let’s Grant Wishes campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort is part of the school’s philanthropy curriculum, which uses hands-on activities to teach young children kindness, empathy and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign turns early childhood education into a community fundraiser that supports children with critical illnesses. - The Learning Experience says the program also teaches preschoolers kindness, generosity, inclusion and service in a real-world setting. - Since 2018, The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Lutz raised $9,349 during the center’s month-long Let’s Grant Wishes campaign in April. - The fundraising supported Make-A-Wish and its work granting wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - Center leaders Tracy Hubble, Dana Dooley, Jhana Pardue and Christine Hanna guided the campaign alongside the mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children during the campaign. - Preschoolers also took part in fundraising events and classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others. - The Learning Experience said the effort reflected 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 high-quality childcare and early education that goes beyond basic academics. - The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The company says the hands-on approach helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen communities.

Between the lines: - The campaign is designed as both a fundraiser and a teaching tool, linking charitable giving with classroom learning. - The national Make-A-Wish total suggests the Lutz effort is part of a much broader companywide culture of philanthropy. - The school’s approach gives families a visible way to participate in the center’s mission, not just its academics.

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 pair early education with community service. - More information is available through The Learning Experience’s announcement.