Two days of community engagement and partnership saw over 600 children at Mattel’s global headquarters, with proclamations from state and local government about the importance of play for children’s development. Appearances by Save The Children Trustee Jennifer Garner and former-Arizona Cardinals coach Dr. Jen Welter 

For the fourth consecutive year, Mattel hosted its annual Play it Forward Global Volunteer Week at its El Segundo headquarters, a huge play date benefiting hundreds of local children and featuring community partners was spread over two days.

The first day of programming at Mattel HQ took place on Wednesday June 26. Dubbed Community Day, it featured activities that focused on the overall power of play. 

Activations included:

• Dr. Jen Welter’s Grrridiron Camp: In celebration of Team Barbie and Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the Arizona Cardinals coach ran drills on the Mattel logo lawn, looking to inspire and empower young girls from the LA community through the power of sport. Welter was a part of the advising committee for the 2023 Barbie Career of the Year line, which has expanded this year to dolls in the likeness of Kristi Yamaguchi and Venus Williams.

• All-out Mattel and community partner play date: Activations from across Mattel brands including giant Hot Wheels tracks and life-sized cars, extra-large UNO Quatro, the iconic Barbie box, and play tables shared space with setups from community partners. From a giant soccer activation by LAFC to a fire rig demonstration by the City of El Segundo Fire Department, a wide range of activities were at guests’ disposal.

Day two, Thursday June 27, continued in partnership with global humanitarian organization Save the Children, who Mattel has partnered with for almost 20 years to support children in the United States and around the world. The activation showcased Save The Children’s ‘Make Summer Fair’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness for and drive resources to children living in rural America without essential early education resources during the summer. 

Activations included:

• Save the Children hosted ‘Make Summer Fair’ carnival style games, a live petting zoo, and tote bag and bookmark-making stations. Trustee Jennifer Garner participated in these activities with 300+ local students joining in the day’s events. Garner has worked with Save the Children since 2009, supporting the organization’s efforts to support children and families living in rural poverty here in the United States.

• American Girl x Save the Children: American Girl and Save The Children built Little Libraries to be delivered to rural communities in Southern California, celebrating the Play it Forward spirit with the call to action of give a book, take a book.

• Proclamation Ceremony: At midday Laura Pizer-Mains of California Senator Ben Allen’s office officially shared the resolution that Mattel participated in deeming June 11 as The International Day of Play, Chris Pimentel, the City of El Segundo’s Mayor Pro Tem honored Mattel and its efforts to give back to the community with play, and Jessalyn Waldron, Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell presented Mattel with a certificate honoring its contributions to the local community.

• Mattel leadership, including Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz, President and Chief Commercial Officer Steve Totzke, and Vice President, Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy Nancy Molenda delivered remarks, introduced government officials, and thanked community partners and Mattel employees for their support and participation in this year’s event.

• Once Upon A Farm, whose mission is to help ensure all children have access to the best nutrition, hosted games and activities and distributed samples of its product. Mattel’s employee resource groups (ERGs) activated with group-specific activities.

ABOUT MATTEL 

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.