Tinton Falls preschool raises $5,022 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Tinton Falls raised $5,022 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort mixed fundraising with classroom activities to teach children empathy, kindness and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a preschool fundraiser into a lesson in empathy, generosity and service. - The $5,022 raised will support Make-A-Wish and help grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how early childhood programs can connect classroom learning to real-world community impact.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Tinton Falls raised $5,022 during the school’s monthlong “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The fundraiser benefited Make-A-Wish. - The campaign was led at the center by Jaclyn Monteiro, Elizabeth Competiello and Romina Mehre. - Children also worked with philanthropic mascots Grace the Greyhound and Charity Chihuahua.

The details: - Preschoolers wrote encouraging letters to children whose wishes are being granted. - Families and staff supported the campaign through donations, events and classroom activities. - The program included hands-on lessons focused on compassion and helping others. - The campaign is part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate activities. - The Learning Experience said the campaign extends learning beyond the classroom and helps children understand the value of giving back. - 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 doubles as a brand-building effort for The Learning Experience, tying its education model to community service. - The campaign also reinforces a broader pitch: preschool-age children can learn social values through direct participation, not just lessons. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to provide childcare and early education that goes beyond “the ABCs and 123s.” - Wahl said the company is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish and wants to inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience said the annual campaign will continue as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - The company also said it will keep using hands-on experiences to teach children about kindness and community service. - More information is available in The Learning Experience’s announcement and through its social channels.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser delivered both dollars for Make-A-Wish and an early lesson in giving back.