CLEVELAND — The Make-A-Wish foundation is known for granting wishes for kids who are seriously ill.

What You Need To Know

  • Make-A-Wish granted more than 16,000 wishes worldwide
  • From August to April, the center hosts activities and fundraisers with their students to raise money
  • The Westlake location has raised $1,200

Since the organization started in 1980, more than 390,000 wishes have been granted in the U.S. In 2024, the foundation granted more than 16,000 wishes worldwide. A northeast Ohio organization partners with the foundation and helps students learn about being kind through the grant wishing partnership.

Every day, the students at The Learning Experience learn about being kind and giving. The Learning Experience partners with the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Preschool teacher Juliann Strickler works with students at The Learning Experience, helping them understand how the Make-A-Wish foundation grants wishes.

“These families have wishes for the children, and I want to show the children that we can make other children's wishes come true," said Strickler.

The Learning Experience has partnered with Make-A-Wish since 2021.

From August to April, the center hosts activities and fundraisers with their students to raise money for the foundation. This school year, they held a lemonade stand, a parent’s night out and an art show where the students' art work was sold to help raise money.

Center Director Claire Lambert helps oversee the program, and said it’s a great way for the students to share kindness.

“To instill in our children that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, but it's the size of your heart that matters. It's very important to give back to your community," said Lambert.

Lambert said this partnership shows the kids the importance of giving back to the community. Their parents also love the idea of helping to grant wishes.

“They're super appreciative that their children are able to participate in these events for fundraising," said Lambert. “Because if the shoe was on the other foot, they'd certainly want somebody to grant them their wish.”

In 2024, the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana chapter granted more than 1,000 wishes.

The teachers see this partnership inspiring their students to continue to help the kids in the make a wish organization feel better.

Each location in Ohio has a $5,000 goal. The Westlake location has raised $1,200 with the help of their students.

The Learning Experience has locations in Cincinnati and Columbus, who also partner with Make-A-Wish.