Mattel is celebrating International Day of Play through its sixth annual Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week, a series of events and community partnerships designed to expand kids’ access to play and to support families in need worldwide.
“Play is one of the most powerful ways children build confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections,” said Nancy Molenda, Vice President, Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy, Mattel. “Through Play It Forward and our International Day of Play celebrations, we’re bringing together our employees, brands, and partners to create joyful experiences for deserving children worldwide. We’re proud to see our global teams unite around this shared commitment to making a positive impact through the power of play.”
Camp Mattel returns for 2026. | Source: Mattel
More than 700 kids were welcomes to the company's El Segundo headquarters. | Source: Mattel
The company also highlighted the importance of play for kids' emotional well-being. | Source: Mattel
Mattel hosted a soccer clinic in partnership of LAFC. | Source: Mattel
Mattel celebrated International Day o Play. | Source: Mattel
The week’s flagship event, Camp Mattel, welcomed more than 700 kids from local elementary schools to Mattel’s El Segundo headquarters for a day of fun in the sun. Mattel employees led the kids in a variety of outdoor games and activities, including a soccer clinic hosted in partnership with the Los Angeles Football Club.
In addition to Camp Mattel, the company also highlighted the importance of play for kids’ emotional well-being through its inaugural Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon. Created in partnership with Project Sunshine, this event invited families to the Mattel Toy Store in El Segundo for toy-filled surprise bags while raising awareness for the nonprofit’s mission to bring joy to kids and families facing medical hardships.
As part of Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week, Mattel also launched a new Hot Wheels collection: Hot Wheels All Drivers Welcome. In this lineup, each die-cast car was designed and developed in partnership with a non-profit organization to promote representation and inclusivity through play. Among the assortment are cars inspired by the Braille Institute, Easterseals Disability Services, and Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The programming also spotlighted Mattel’s ongoing collaboration with Save the Children, Amazon, and Amazon MGM Studios for the Masters of the Universe film, which includes an Amazon Wish List to donate Mattel toys to kids in need and a public service campaign. More opportunities to donate toys and financial contributions will continue through June as part of Amazon’s Global Volunteer Month, as well as throughout the rest of the summer.
To learn more, visit mattel.com.
