Over 600 children visited the Mattel global headquarters, with proclamations from state and local government highlighting the importance of play for children’s development.

For the fourth consecutive year, Mattel hosted its annual Play it Forward Global Volunteer Week at its El Segundo headquarters. The event benefits hundreds of local children and features community partners spread over two days.

The first day of programming at Mattel HQ took place on Wednesday 26th June. Dubbed Community Day, it featured activities that focus on the overall power of play. In celebration of Team Barbie and Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the Arizona Cardinals coach, Dr. Jen Welter, ran drills on the Mattel logo lawn, looking to inspire and empower young girls from the LA community through the power of sport.

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 27th June, continued in partnership with global humanitarian organisation, Save the Children, which Mattel has partnered with for almost 20 years to support children in the US 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.

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.

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.

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.

At midday, Laura Pizer-Mains of California senator Ben Allen’s office officially shared the resolution that Mattel participated in deeming 11th June as The International Day of Play. Chris Pimentel, the City of El Segundo’s mayor Pro Tem, honoured 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 honouring 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.