Marlton preschool raises $6,884 for Make-A-Wish

Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Evesham Township raised $6,884 during an April fundraising campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied giving to early childhood learning, with classroom activities designed to teach kindness, empathy and community service.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser supported Make-A-Wish, which helps grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The campaign also served as an early lesson in kindness, empathy and giving back for preschoolers. - The effort shows how a preschool program can connect classroom learning with real-world service.

What happened: - Preschoolers at The Learning Experience in Evesham Township, N.J., took part in the center’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - Families, staff and children raised $6,884 for Make-A-Wish during the month-long effort. - The campaign was part of The Learning Experience’s philanthropy curriculum.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish recipients. - Preschoolers joined fundraising events and classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Tricia Cylc, Courtney Beers, Shannon Ivery-Armas, Rebecca Mancini and Janet Snyder guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua also took part. - The Learning Experience said the program introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The campaign is as much about education as fundraising. - The Learning Experience is using philanthropy to reinforce its brand around purposeful learning and community impact. - The approach gives young children a concrete way to practice empathy instead of only hearing about it.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its broader philanthropy curriculum. - The company will likely keep expanding its network, with more than 480 centers open and over 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The Learning Experience said its mission remains focused on making a positive difference for children, families and communities.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser turned into both a charitable contribution and a hands-on lesson in service.