Wilton preschool raises $8,898 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Wilton, Connecticut, raised $8,898 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser mixed classroom activities, family donations and staff participation to teach young children philanthropy while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign gave preschoolers a hands-on lesson in kindness, empathy and community service. - The $8,898 raised will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how early childhood education can connect classroom learning with real-world giving.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Wilton, Connecticut, raised $8,898 during the center’s annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The month-long fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - Center leaders Darlene Kolf and Jasmina Usejnoska guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” helped bring the program to life.

The details: - Children wrote encouraging letters to wish children. - Preschoolers took part in fundraising events. - Classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - The campaign 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 program aims to show children that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to provide early education that goes beyond academic basics and to create meaningful community impact with Make-A-Wish. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser serves both as a charity drive and a branding tool for The Learning Experience’s broader education model. - The company is using philanthropy to teach social-emotional skills alongside early academics. - The national fundraising total suggests the Wilton campaign is part of a larger, recurring network effort rather than a one-off event.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company says it will keep expanding its mission of community impact across its centers. - More information is available through the company’s official announcement and social channels.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser turned into a real contribution for Make-A-Wish, while giving children an early lesson in generosity and service.