The Learning Experience Holly Springs raises $5,106 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Holly Springs, North Carolina, raised $5,106 during its monthlong April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The fundraiser blended early education and philanthropy, giving preschoolers hands-on lessons in kindness, empathy and community service while supporting children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a preschool fundraiser into a real-world lesson in generosity, helping children learn how giving back can support families facing serious illness. - The money raised will support Make-A-Wish efforts to grant life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The initiative also reflects The Learning Experience’s broader effort to connect early childhood education with community service.

What happened: - Preschoolers, families and staff at The Learning Experience in Holly Springs, North Carolina, raised $5,106 during the annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign in April. - The monthlong effort supported Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in fundraising events, classroom activities and letter-writing for wish children. - Center leaders Jill Bellucco, Lauren Smith, Brittany Hallman, Melody Garcia and Elias Garcia guided the campaign. - The preschool used philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” to help bring the program to life.

The details: - 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 preschool said the hands-on approach helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen communities. - The program extends learning beyond the classroom by connecting empathy and service to everyday experiences. - Since 2018, children, families and staff across The Learning Experience centers nationwide have raised more than $11.5 million for Make-A-Wish. - The Learning Experience operates more than 480 centers and has more than 240 additional locations in development across the U.S. and U.K. - The company serves children from six weeks to six years old. - The Learning Experience uses its L.E.A.P. curriculum to support cognitive, social and emotional development. - The company also extends learning through Bubbles and Friends, an educational media platform with original characters, music, video content and a companion app. - The Learning Experience says it has been recognized as the No. 1 Childcare Franchise by Entrepreneur magazine and the No. 1 Education Franchise by Franchise Business Review.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser shows how early childhood programs can use philanthropy to teach social values, not just academic basics. - The national Make-A-Wish total suggests the preschool chain has made charity a recurring part of its brand and curriculum, not a one-off event. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company aims to go beyond the ABCs and 123s while inspiring the next generation of philanthropists.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is likely to continue its annual Make-A-Wish campaign as part of its philanthropy curriculum. - Additional centers across the company may keep building on the same model of classroom-based service projects and fundraising. - The Holly Springs effort adds to the company’s ongoing national total and sets a benchmark for future local campaigns.