1.19.2005 ET

(CSRwire) El Segundo, Calif. - Mattel, Inc. [NYSE: MAT] today announced the relaunch of its non-profit philanthropic arm, the Mattel Children's Foundation. Committed to making a difference in the global community by effectively serving children in need, the Mattel Children's Foundation expects to donate more than $5 million in 2005 to address the following priorities: education and learning; health and wellbeing; girls' empowerment; and bringing joy to children.

Mattel, Inc. gives more than 2 percent of its pre-tax profits to charitable activities, including the Mattel Children's Foundation and toy donation programs.

After completing a multi-year, $25 million commitment to the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA in 2004, the Foundation is now taking a new leadership role in the world of corporate philanthropy by broadening its scope and extending its giving internationally.

"Mattel's philanthropy is about putting smiles on the faces of children," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer of Mattel. "We're especially proud of being able to help children in need through financial support of community organizations around the world, product donations and programs that support employees being involved in their local communities."

"The recent tsunami tragedy is a reminder of just how vulnerable children are - as thousands of children in Southeast Asia are now orphaned and at risk," said Kevin Farr, chairman of the Mattel Children's Foundation and chief financial officer of Mattel. "Children dealing with extreme circumstances need our help and care."

Mattel, Inc. made a $250,000 donation to Save the Children for tsunami relief efforts. Mattel employees around the world, through the company's matching gifts programs, have donated an additional $200,000 to relief efforts. Mattel, Inc. also is donating 100,000 toys for children who have been orphaned or displaced by this tragedy.

The Mattel Children's Foundation new programs include the following key components:

• Partnerships with organizations that will assist the Foundation in directly supporting the needs of children globally. These are: Special Olympics, Save the Children, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF). More information about each partnership will be announced throughout the year. The Foundation is continuing support of the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA with a commitment of $2 million over four years for an endowed chair of pediatrics.
  
• Online grant application for U.S.-based public charities primarily serving children in need to support programs or general operating needs based on the priorities of the Foundation. Guidelines, eligibility quiz and application are available at www.Mattel.com.
  
• Global grantmaking through an international application process. Grants of $25,000 each will be made available to local charities directly serving children in need in countries where Mattel has operations. International applications will be available by invitation only.

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