Mattel is one of those companies that is known by parents (and children) around the world. They are now doing something for the front-line workers who are fighting the coronavirus pandemic with a special edition of collectible toys. Everyday “heroes” are the subject of these Fisher-Price figurines, designed to honor those who are keeping us safe and functioning during the crisis.
16 different action figures are included in the #ThankYouHeroes collection, including doctors, nurses, EMTs, and delivery drivers. They are even offering a five-character “Little People” set that includes a doctor, nurse, EMT, delivery driver, and grocery store worker.
“#ThankYouHeroes is designed to immortalize and honor healthcare and everyday heroes, and to drive additional donations to support first responders,” Chuck Scothon, senior vice president of Fisher-Price and global head of Infant and Preschool, Mattel, says in a statement. “Whether these toys are given as a gift to recognize someone working on the front lines, or used as a tool to help children have conversations about how they are feeling, it is our hope that Fisher-Price toys, and play in general, can ultimately make these difficult times easier for both kids and adults.”
Starting April 29 and lasting through May 31, $15 from every online purchase of the figure set will be donated to The Entertainment Industry Foundation by Mattel. It supports #FirstRespondersFirst, a fund that provides essential supplies, resources, and equipment to protecting front-line healthcare workers and their families.
“We’re talking about those brave souls who carry on doing their jobs despite the risks in order to keep the rest of us safe, secure and healthy,” Mattel’s website says. “We salute these heroes, and we think they’re pretty amazing role models for kids. Let’s play their heroism forward by lending a helping hand and sharing a little gratitude.”
Mattel is also making face shields and cloth facemasks to help protect medical professionals against COVID-19.
I think every parent is looking for something enjoyable to keep their little ones happy and busy while we are all on lockdown. You might want to check out the Mattel Playroom, an online resource available for free to parents and caregivers. It has plenty of content and activities to keep the little ones happy.