The Learning Experience Hopewell raises $5,136 for Make-A-Wish

Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Pennington raised $5,136 during an April fundraising campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied early childhood education to philanthropy by teaching children kindness, empathy and community service while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a preschool fundraiser into a lesson in empathy, generosity and community service. - The $5,136 raised will support Make-A-Wish and help grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how early childhood programs can build social skills through real-world giving.

What happened: - Preschoolers at The Learning Experience in Pennington took part in the annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - Preschoolers, families and staff raised $5,136 for Make-A-Wish during the month-long drive. - The fundraiser was supported by center leaders Shakayla Venable, Kumba Kemmie, Mark Grossman and Nicole Burk. - Philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua also helped guide the campaign.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Children joined fundraising events and classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - The campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - That curriculum introduces kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The Learning Experience said the program is meant to go beyond academics and create a positive difference in children’s lives and their communities. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish. - The Learning Experience has more than 480 centers open and more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The company serves children from six weeks to six years old. - The Learning Experience uses its L.E.A.P.® Curriculum to support cognitive, social and emotional development. - The company also operates Bubbles and Friends®, an educational media platform with original characters, music, video content and a companion app.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser fits a broader trend in early education toward service-learning and character building. - The campaign also gives The Learning Experience a visible way to connect its curriculum with community impact. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company wants to go beyond “the ABCs and 123s” and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to keep using its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy programming. - The company will continue to expand its center network and educational offerings across the U.S. and U.K. - Children, families and staff are likely to remain involved in future campaigns that combine learning with community service.

The bottom line: - A preschool fundraiser in Pennington raised a modest but meaningful sum while teaching children that giving back can be part of everyday learning.