In Los Angeles, the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 is hitting families hard. Now, Mattel is stepping up to lend a hand, starting with a donation to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s LA Students Most in Need effort.
With schools closed, Los Angeles Unified is working to serve nearly 700,000 students — of whom nearly 80% are from families living in poverty. This week, Mattel provided toys and art supplies while Baby2Baby provided diapers, wipes, baby food, and blankets. A crew from Teamsters Local 572 delivered the items to Los Angeles Unified’s Grab & Go Food Centers, where families are provided with two meals each weekday while schools remain closed. Yesterday alone, the organization served 374,052 meals.
“Mattel’s mission is to create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. At no time in our 75-year history has this mission been more vital than now, when schools across the country remain closed, while parents, caregivers, and educators seek new ways to encourage children to continue to reach their full potential,” says Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz. “Our company’s mission has now become a shared mission with households across the country. Taking this opportunity to deliver what we hope will be added sources of happiness and comfort to children across the Los Angeles Unified School District, who are relying on the Grab & Go sites for their meals and other necessities, is a reflection of our broader commitment to giving back to our communities. We salute educators, parents, and caregivers who are striving to keep up the spirits of children despite the uncertainties we all face, and we want them to know that Mattel stands with them in these efforts.”
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) provides pro bono services to Los Angeles Unified and helped to facilitate the donation from the Mattel Children’s Foundation.
Pictured top: Rick Middleton, secretary/treasurer, Teamsters Local 572 with Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner.
