Chelmsford preschool raises $5,180 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, raised $5,180 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser tied early childhood education to philanthropy by giving preschoolers hands-on ways to practice kindness, empathy and community service.

Why it matters: - The campaign gave preschoolers a real-world lesson in kindness, empathy and giving back. - The $5,180 raised will support Make-A-Wish efforts for children living with critical illnesses. - The fundraiser shows how early childhood programs can connect classroom learning with community impact.

What happened: - The Learning Experience preschool in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, held its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - Preschoolers, families and staff raised $5,180 for Make-A-Wish during the month-long effort. - Children took part in letters, fundraising events and classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others.

The details: - Center leaders Courtney O'Rourke, Lali Patel and Yanitza Maribel Vilchis guided the campaign. - Philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” helped bring the activities to life. - The campaign was part of The Learning Experience’s proprietary philanthropy curriculum. - The curriculum introduces children to kindness, inclusion, generosity and community service through age-appropriate experiences. - The Learning Experience said the fundraiser extends learning beyond the classroom by showing children how acts of service can help others. - Since 2018, The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser fits The Learning Experience’s broader effort to pair early education with character development. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the partnership with Make-A-Wish is meant to create community impact while inspiring future philanthropists. - The program also reinforces the brand’s mission to support children, families and local communities.

What's next: - The Learning Experience will likely continue its annual Make-A-Wish fundraising campaign at centers nationwide. - The company’s philanthropy curriculum will keep using hands-on activities to teach service and empathy.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser became both a community contribution and a classroom lesson in generosity.