Sayreville preschool raises $5,001 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Sayreville raised $5,001 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort mixed fundraising with classroom activities to teach children kindness, empathy and community service while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned early childhood education into a real-world lesson in giving back. - The $5,001 raised in Sayreville will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how preschool programs can pair philanthropy with social-emotional learning.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Sayreville raised $5,001 during the center’s month-long “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in letters to wish children, fundraising events and classroom activities focused on compassion and helping others. - Center leaders Annmarie Manning, Imani Ward, Jessica Wargo, Meeta Kalawadia and Cristina Calderon guided the campaign. - The preschool’s philanthropy mascots, Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua, were part of the activities.

The details: - The campaign was designed to show children how kindness, generosity and service can affect other people’s lives. - The Learning Experience said the campaign is part of its proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The preschool said the initiative reflects its mission to make a positive difference for children, families and communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company is committed to childcare and early education that goes beyond academic basics. - Wahl said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps create a meaningful difference in the communities the company serves and inspires future philanthropists. - 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 is also a branding tool for The Learning Experience, linking its education model with community service. - The campaign reinforces the company’s broader push to teach empathy through hands-on activities instead of classroom instruction alone. - The nationwide fundraising total suggests the Sayreville effort is part of a larger, recurring program rather than a one-off event.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign at centers nationwide. - The company will keep using its philanthropy curriculum and classroom activities to reinforce lessons about helping others. - Make-A-Wish will continue relying on community fundraising to support wish-granting efforts for children with critical illnesses.

The bottom line: - A local preschool campaign in Sayreville raised money and taught children that philanthropy can start early.