St. Johns preschool raises $5,056 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in St. Augustine raised $5,056 during its monthlong April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort mixed fundraising with classroom activities designed to teach young children kindness, empathy and giving back.

Why it matters: - The campaign helped fund wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The fundraiser also doubled as an early lesson in generosity, inclusion and community service for preschoolers. - The effort reflects how childcare programs can connect classroom learning with real-world philanthropy.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in St. Augustine raised $5,056 during the school’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The monthlong effort supported Make-A-Wish. - Center leaders Emily Lenchert and Ashley Fletcher guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua joined the activities.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Preschoolers took part in fundraising events. - Classrooms featured activities centered on compassion and helping others. - The campaign was part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The school said the program teaches children that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish. - The Learning Experience says its mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, families and communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company is committed to high-quality childcare and early education that goes beyond basic academics. - Wahl also said the company is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

Between the lines: - The campaign gives The Learning Experience a visible way to tie its education brand to community impact. - The fundraising total is modest in one market, but the broader program has scaled nationwide over several years. - The hands-on format suggests the company is using philanthropy as both a service effort and a teaching tool.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to keep using its annual campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company’s broader network of more than 480 centers and over 240 additional locations in development gives the Make-A-Wish partnership room to expand further. - The school’s media and community channels may continue to showcase similar classroom-based service projects.