Indian Land preschool raises $5,050 for Make-A-Wish

The Learning Experience Preschool in Indian Land, South Carolina, raised $5,050 during its April “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign for Make-A-Wish. The effort tied fundraising to classroom lessons on kindness and empathy, and is part of a nationwide program that has raised more than $11.5 million since 2018.

Why it matters: - The campaign turned a preschool fundraiser into a hands-on lesson in generosity, empathy and community service. - The $5,050 raised in Indian Land will help Make-A-Wish grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses. - The effort shows how early childhood education can connect classroom learning to real-world philanthropy.

What happened: - The Learning Experience Preschool in Indian Land, South Carolina, ran its annual “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign during April. - Preschoolers, families and staff raised $5,050 for Make-A-Wish. - Children took part in letters, fundraising events and classroom activities centered on compassion and helping others.

The details: - Center leaders Vivek Gaddam, Amber Cuellar and Courtney Ferris guided the campaign. - The preschool used philanthropic mascots “Grace the Greyhound” and “Charity Chihuahua” to help bring the effort to life. - 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 program helps children understand that small acts of giving can strengthen their communities. - Brad Wahl, chief operating officer of The Learning Experience, said the company is committed to high-quality childcare and early education that goes beyond academics. - Wahl said the partnership with Make-A-Wish helps create meaningful community impact while inspiring 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 campaign doubles as fundraising and brand-building for The Learning Experience, linking the preschool’s education model to a charitable mission. - The nationwide total suggests the Indian Land effort is part of a larger, recurring companywide program rather than a one-off local event. - The emphasis on hands-on participation gives the preschool a way to teach abstract values through concrete actions children can see and repeat.

What's next: - The Learning Experience is expected to continue its annual Make-A-Wish campaign across centers. - The company’s broader philanthropy curriculum will likely keep using classroom activities and events to teach service-oriented lessons. - Make-A-Wish will use funds from the campaign to support future wish-granting efforts for children with critical illnesses.

The bottom line: - A local preschool fundraiser in Indian Land raised money, taught a lesson and plugged into a nationwide effort with a multiyear track record.