Mattel Launches an Amazing Initiative -- The Power of Play

At Mattel, they are creating the future of play! Nowhere is that more evident than in their global philanthropic efforts. Manufacturing safe and innovative toys is their purpose, and their philanthropic efforts allow them to make a positive social impact on children across the globe.  They endeavor to help all children around the world to experience play – including bringing moments of joy to some of the one billion children who are considered in need. Mattel has partnered with a number of organizations to fulfill their mission of helping children, whether it’s through product donations, financial support, or global volunteer opportunities.

Mattel believes in the power of play and the ability of play to inspire children to learn, connect and grow. Mattel’s philanthropic efforts in 2011 touched the lives of more than 5 million children in more than 50 countries around the world. In addition, 25 percent of our employees around the world gave back through volunteering, whether it was playing with kids at inner city schools, wrapping toys or granting wishes of children facing life threatening illnesses. Mattel continues to maintain our commitment to put 2 % of pre-tax profit toward social impact efforts. Last year, that totaled more than $20 million in cash and product donations to philanthropic programs.

And, on that note, Mattel and the Mattel Children's Foundation are pleased to announce a multi-year, national partnership with Playworks. With Mattel and the Foundation's support, Playworks will expand its commitment to ensure every child has a chance to play through support of its elementary school programming in over 300 schools across the country through the Junior Coach program. Junior Coaches are an important element of the Playworks model because it encourages teams of students to understand fair play, conflict resolution and more. Mattel's support will expand Playworks programs into two Los Angeles elementary schools in Watts. In addition, Mattel and Playworks plan to pilot the Playworks Model internationally by training Mattel employees in other countries to bring healthy, inclusive play to schools in communities where they live and work. Mattel believes in the Power of Play and its support of Playworks is an important component to that effort. 

As part of their launch, Mattel and Playworks recently conducted a live chat on Facebook underscoring the importance and power of play. Hosted by Modernmom.com and moderated by Jess weiner, author and confidence expert, Mattel's resident "Dr. of Play," Michael Shore, Ph.D, and Playworks CEO & Founder, Jill Vialet, sat down to discuss constructive play tips for both parents and kids that help boister confidence and make playtime at school and home more effective.

When you are done watching this informative video, make sure you download and print off Mattel's Play Tip Coloring Sheet.  Not only will your children have fun coloring, they will learn valuable tips on play.

Disclosure:  I received compensation from Mattel through a partnership with MomSelect for this post.  However, the views above are mine and mine alone.