Mattel & Save the Children Pact for New Initiative

Mattel and Mattel Children’s Foundation have partnered with Save the Children on an initiative to help improve the lives of kids in rural America.

When shoppers purchase select Barbie, Matchbox and Little People items at Target stores in the U.S. and online at Target.com from August 28 through October 1, a portion of the retail price from each sale, up to a certain amount, will be donated by Mattel to Save the Children’s U.S. rural education programs. The programs help children build language, literacy, numeracy and social and emotional skills.

Nancy Molenda, executive director of the Mattel Children’s Foundation and corporate philanthropy at Mattel, said: “The Mattel Children’s Foundation was created more than 40 years ago with a vision of making a difference in the lives of children and families around the world by utilizing our resources and iconic brands. With a mission to provide kids globally with a healthy start, access to quality education and protection from harm, Save the Children is perfectly aligned with our values—we are proud to work with them to help support educational goals for children in rural America.”

Mark McColgan, senior VP of sales at Mattel, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Save the Children to bring Play It Forward to physical retail for the first time ever at Target. For decades, children around the world have enjoyed and adored Mattel’s Barbie, Matchbox and Little People toys—it’s exciting to see these beloved brands unite to contribute to Save the Children’s inspiring cause.”

Betsy Zorio, VP of U.S. programs at Save the Children, said: “Across America, nearly one in six children grows up in poverty—with rural child poverty higher than in urban areas in 40 states. Rural communities face significant and unique challenges. At Save the Children, our ambition is that all kids in rural America have a healthy, strong foundation to thrive as learners and in life. With Mattel’s generous support, we’re helping spark kids’ imaginations through this campaign, giving children in the U.S. most impacted by inequality the opportunity to reach their full potential.”