Mattel, Inc. and Gifts in Kind International Create Holiday Cheer for Kids; More than 560,000 disadvantaged children receive brand-new toys

Business Wire, Dec 23, 2003

Business Editors

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 2003

Mattel, Inc., the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys, and Gifts In Kind International, the world's leading charity in product philanthropy, have partnered to deliver toys to more than half a million children through Mattel's Holiday Toy Donation Program.

Children will receive the new toys from Mattel, Fisher-Price(R) and American Girl(R) brands, through a broad network of more than 500, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that directly serve children in need. The program's objective is to improve the lives of children so that they grow up happy and healthy, and become productive members of the global community.

"Mattel is passionately committed to bringing joy and well-being to underserved children around the world, in an effort to make a meaningful difference in their lives," said Lisa Marie Bongiovanni, Vice President of Mattel Corporate Communications, which oversees the company's charitable efforts. "Putting actual toys into the hands of children in need is an important part of our philanthropic mission worldwide."

Mattel donates more than a million toys a year with Gifts In Kind serving as the main source of distribution to qualifying charitable organizations.

"Gifts In Kind's partnership with Mattel is invaluable to our mission to serve the disadvantaged of all ages throughout the world," said Susan Corrigan, President and CEO, Gifts In Kind International. "Children have a most special place in our endeavors as we help ensure a happy and healthy childhood for those whom a holiday toy will be especially treasured."

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever created. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price brands, including Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, CA, Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 36 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands - today and tomorrow.

About Gifts In Kind International

Gifts In Kind International (www.giftsinkind.org) is the world's leading charity in product philanthropy and the 3rd largest charity in the United States. Ranked as one of the most cost-efficient charities in the world, Gifts In Kind operates at less than one percent of the value of products, goods and services contributed annually. In 2002 alone, Gifts In Kind International and its 450-plus global affiliates distributed nearly $800 million dollars in quality products to a network of more than 200,000 charitable nonprofits around the world. Gifts In Kind International is a registered 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit charitable organization.