How Kids Are Making Wishes Come True

These Florida Preschoolers Are Proving Kindness Has No Age Limit

Big lessons are being learned in small classrooms—and they’re already making a real impact.

Little Hands, Big Hearts

In Boynton Beach, preschoolers at The Learning Experience are doing more than learning their ABCs.

They’re learning how to give back.

As part of their “Let’s Grant Wishes” campaign, students, families, and teachers have been working together to raise money for Make-A-Wish—helping bring joy to children facing critical illnesses.

Kindness in Action

The effort is part of a broader philanthropy curriculum that introduces young children to concepts like empathy, inclusion, and generosity.

And they’re not just talking about it—they’re doing it.

From penny wars and classroom fundraisers to writing letters and creating artwork like wishing trees and kindness wands, these preschoolers are finding creative ways to make a difference.

“We’re learning kindness to people,” said 5-year-old Estelle.

Simple. Honest. And exactly the point.

More Than a Lesson

For educators like managing director Nikki Bethea, the goal goes beyond a single fundraiser.

“We teach our little ones how important it is to give back, no matter how small they are,” she said.

That message is already sticking.

Teachers say students are dreaming big—not just for themselves, but for others—imagining trips, experiences, and moments of joy for children they’ve never met.

The Ripple Effect

What’s happening inside the classroom is starting to spread beyond it.

Families are getting involved. Siblings are pitching in.

In one moment that stood out, an older brother brought in his piggy bank and donated it to the cause—proof that the lesson is reaching beyond the school walls.

“That was everything,” Bethea said.

Real Impact, Real Results

So far, the group has raised more than $8,000.

With each wish costing about $5,000, they’ve already helped grant one—and are well on their way to making another come true.

Not bad for a group still learning how to tie their shoes.

A Lesson That Lasts

What makes this story stand out isn’t just the money raised.

It’s the foundation being built.

Because when kids learn early that they can make a difference, that mindset doesn’t disappear.

It grows.

And sometimes, the smallest voices carry the biggest lessons.