Mt. Laurel preschool raises $5,058 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Mt. Laurel Township raised $5,058 in April through its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied early childhood learning to philanthropy, giving preschoolers hands-on lessons in kindness while helping children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a preschool fundraiser into a real community impact effort, helping Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The program also used the fundraising drive to teach young children about empathy, generosity and service in a hands-on setting.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Mt. Laurel Township raised $5,058 during the school’s month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - Center leaders Bethany Sweet, Angelina Scafuri, Mark Grossman and Nicole Burk guided the effort. - The preschool’s philanthropic mascots, Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua, were part of the campaign.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Families and staff took part in fundraising events and classroom activities. - The campaign focused on compassion and helping others. - The initiative is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The company said the program shows 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.

Between the lines: - The campaign is designed to extend learning beyond academics and connect early education with social-emotional development. - The fundraising effort also reinforces The Learning Experience’s broader brand message around community impact, not just childcare. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps create a meaningful difference in the communities the company serves while inspiring future philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience will likely continue its annual Make-A-Wish fundraising campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company’s nationwide centers remain positioned to add to the cumulative total raised for Make-A-Wish in future years.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser delivered both dollars for Make-A-Wish and a lesson in giving back for its youngest students.