EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mattel, Inc.
(NYSE: MAT) announced today that the company has donated more than two million
toys to children in need during 2004, many of which are distributed globally
during the holiday season to charitable organizations that directly serve
children in need. The retail value of Mattel's toy donation efforts in 2004
is estimated at about $15 million.
"Mattel is a company focused on children and through our toy donation
program we are committed to bringing joy and smiles to children around the
world," said Deidre Lind, Manager of the Mattel Children's Foundation and
Mattel Philanthropy Programs. "We believe it is our responsibility, as the
largest toy manufacturer in the world, to lead the way in making a difference
in the lives of children. We do that by making fun products that are safe and
reliable, and by giving back to our communities through our philanthropic
programs."
Recently named as one of the top 25 most generous companies for in-kind
giving(1), Mattel's toy donation program reaches around the world, in more
than 150 nations to more than 5,000 charitable organizations.
"Our donation program includes hospitals, orphanages and group homes, as
well as various children's organizations," Lind said.
During 2004, Mattel employee volunteers around the world also contributed
thousands of hours to their local communities, benefiting a variety of
deserving charities, schools and hospitals that focus on the needs of
under-served children.
Inspired by the passionate works of Mattel employees, Mattel supports
individual acts of giving through volunteer grants, matching gifts and
identifying and coordinating employee volunteer opportunities.
The Mattel Toy Donation program is closed for 2004 but will reopen as a
part of our year-round giving program on January 3, 2005. More information
about Mattel's Toy Donation program can be found in the "Community" section of
http://www.mattel.com.
About the Mattel Children's Foundation
Established in 1978, the Mattel Children's Foundation creates joy in the
lives of under-served children through toy donations, grant making and the
work of employee volunteers. Viewing philanthropy as an investment, the
Foundation funds exemplary nonprofit partners that demonstrate this ideal
through their compassionate outreach to children, as well as their financial
accountability. Funded exclusively by cash donations from Mattel, Inc.
(NYSE: MAT), the Mattel Children's Foundation's vision is to make a meaningful
difference, one child at a time.
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and
marketing of toys and family products. The company's best-selling brands
include Barbie(R), Hot Wheels(R), Fisher-Price(R) and American Girl(R). With
headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in
36 countries and sells its product in more than 150 nations throughout the
world. The company's Web site can be found at http://www.mattel.com.
(1) BusinessWeek magazine in a special report on Philanthropy in
November 2004. Mattel also is highly ranked in the report among the
top 50 U.S. companies for cash grant making and other philanthropic
efforts.
SOURCE Mattel, Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.mattel.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/540363.html
CONTACT:
Jules Andres of Mattel, Inc.,
+1-310-252-3529, Jules.Andres@mattel.com
|
