Excelligence Learning to Make Largest Salvation Army Donation This Season of $20,000 Worth Of Toys For Distribution to Children in Monterey County.

Business Editors

MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2002

Excelligence Learning Corporation (NASDAQSC: LRNS), a developer, manufacturer, and retailer of educational products to child care programs, preschools, schools, and consumers, today announced the Company will donate approximately $20,000 worth of toys to the local Salvation Army's Toy Drive. Excelligence Learning is headquartered in Ryan Ranch, Monterey. The donation includes primarily educational toys toy truck, building kits and dolls that will be distributed to local children through the Salvation Army on December 23rd and December 24th.

"The Salvation Army puts forth a great effort to ensure no child is forgotten during the holiday season. As a local Company, we are pleased to do our part to make sure all families in Monterey County have a reason to celebrate," said Ron Elliott, chief executive officer for Excelligence Learning Corporation.

A thousand children from throughout the Monterey Peninsula are registered with the Salvation Army this holiday season to receive gifts. Through the donation of these toys from Excelligence Learning, the Salvation Army will be able to significantly extend their gift-giving this year to include children in such programs such as the Monterey Child Development Center. "We have a shortage of toys this year and the helpfulness of this gift is beyond words. I am reminded of a child in our day care who asked her teacher if she could take home a used box of crayons so she could wrap them up so she would have something to open on Christmas morning. The thoughtfulness and generosity of a gift such as this humbles and encourages us all," said Captain James Sullivan Salvation Army Corp. Officer of the Monterey Peninsula.

Company representatives will be making the donation this Friday, December 13th, at the Nob Hill Grocery Store, Nob Hill Monterey as part of KSBW's Share Your Holiday program. In its 16th year, this event assists the Salvation Army through the collection of food, new toys, clothing, blankets, bottled water and monetary contributions for needy. Mark Scarr of Scarr Moving and Storage in Salinas has donated transportation of the toys being given by Excelligence.

About Excelligence Learning Corporation

Excelligence Learning Corporation is a developer, manufacturer and retailer of educational products to child care programs, preschools, schools, and consumers, focusing on children from infancy to 12 years of age. Founded in 1985 as a catalog business called Discount School Supply, the Company became public through the acquisition of SmarterKids.com With proprietary product offerings, a multi-channel distribution strategy and extensive management expertise, the Company helps to further children's education and to reinforce the connection between learning at school and at home. A growing employer in Monterey County, Excelligence Learning participates in numerous community relations initiatives including the United Way's Success Program through the Family Center in Salinas by instructing and donating art supplies for workshops. The company also has a relationship with the CSUMB (California State University at Monterey Bay) Child Development Center, providing $3,000 worth of supplies annually and the Elementary School Division spearheads a school supply donation-matching program, Excel Kids.

The Company is composed of two business segments, the Early Childhood Division and the Elementary School Division. Excelligence Learning Corporation is headquartered in Monterey, California, www.excelligencelearning.com.