Philanthropic Society Los Angeles and Children's Institute Host the 2nd Annual Back To School Giveaway with Sponsorship from Mattel

To Benefit Thousands of Children in the Community of Watts

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Philanthropic Society Los Angeles (PSLA), a support group of Children's Institute, Inc. (CII), hosts the 2nd Annual Watts Back To School Giveaway to provide much-needed educational resources and support for children, pre-school age to 12th grade. Fall is the season when most families take the purchase of backpacks and other school supplies for granted, but not so for families living in one of Los Angeles' most challenged communities. Thanks to major support from PSLA, Mattel and nearly 20 other sponsors, the event will benefit approximately 4,000 – 5,000 children and their families who receive services from CII—a nationally recognized organization that helps children and youth severely affected by community and family violence. NOT A PUBLIC EVENT

In addition to receiving filled backpacks, attendees can learn about good nutrition and healthy cooking through demos and snacks from the Watts Healthy Farmers Market, and receive useful community information from event partners.

"Providing the resources that children need to start school better prepared is exactly what Philanthropic Society Los Angeles strives to achieve," says PSLA president Rochelle Gores Fredston. "We're reaching children who need this support the most."

Major event sponsor Mattel will be joined by the following supporters: Ted Watkins Park, Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, Parks After Dark, Watts Healthy Farmers' Market/SEE-LA, Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center, K.I.D.S., Herbalife, LA Galaxy, Office Depot via Feed the Children, 99 Cents Only Stores, Plum Organics, Baby2Baby, Activate, Cory Martin Events, Caruso Affiliated, Scholastic, Accessory Innovations, Planet Sox, Handcraft, New Era, LA Party Rents and Centro Latino for Literacy

Philanthropic Society Los Angeles (PSLA) is a support group of Children's Institute, Inc., founded by CII Trustee Rochelle Gores Fredston. The membership is comprised of altruistic, business-minded, youthful individuals dedicated to helping the children and families of CII while connecting with fellow philanthropists and professionals. www.ps-losangeles.com

Mattel's philanthropic mission is to make a difference one child at a time by globally partnering with charitable organizations dedicated to directly serving children. Mattel believes in the Power of Play by creating joy through the Mattel Children's Foundation, product donations, global grant making and the work of employee volunteers. In 2012, Mattel donated more than a 1/2 million toys valued at over $10 million to hundreds of organizations around the world. www.mattel.com

Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) helps children in Los Angeles's most challenged communities heal from the trauma of family and community violence, build the confidence and skills to break through the barriers of poverty, and grow up to lead healthy, productive lives. Established in 1906, CII now serves more than 20,000 children and families in Los Angeles County through treatment, youth development, family support and early childhood services. We also inform the larger child welfare field through the research and professional training efforts of the CII Leadership Center. CII has provided services in Watts since 2007, currently reaching more than 2,000 children and families. The agency is now in the process of significantly expanding child and family services in the area. www.childrensinstitute.org

SOURCE Children’s Institute, Inc.