COVID-19 first responders honored with action figures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) -- Mattel is thanking COVID-19 first responders by launching a new collectible line of action figures and Little People Community Champions.

The figures honor the individuals leading the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as well as everyday heroes working to keep communities up and running.

All net proceeds will go to #FirstRespondersFirst.

Fisher-Price launched the first collection line,#ThankYouHeroes, with 16 different action figures featuring doctors, EMTs, delivery drivers, and nurses.

Mattel says this is just the first of many efforts to support today's heroes.

“#ThankYouHeroes is designed to immortalize and honor healthcare and every day heroes, and to drive additional donations to support first responders,” said Chuck Scothon, Senior Vice President of Fisher-Price and Global Head of Infant and Preschool, Mattel. “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.”

"We launched #FirstRespondersFirst to support healthcare workers and their families who are on the frontlines of this pandemic," said Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global, one of the organizations behind the #FirstRespondersFirst initiative. “Mattel’s iconic brands and products speak to something deep within us. So it’s wonderful to see this new Fisher-Price collection not only bringing joy to children, but giving parents and caregivers a new way to honor healthcare first responders and everyday heroes and their families."

Mattel is also making face shields and cloth masks for medical professionals as well as donating toys to several non-profits.

#ThankYouHeroes are now available for pre-order through May 31, 2020 at http://MattelPlayroom.com/ThankYouHeroes.

Each item will retail at $20, with $15 from each sale being donated to #FirstRespondersFirst.

Items are expected to ship to consumers by December 31, 2020.