American Girl to give away 1,000 dolls a day

American Girl is pledging to give away 1,000 dolls a day, or $3 million in retail value, to children in hospitals across the country this holiday season.

Now through Dec. 18, American Girl will match any doll purchase made online, in-store or via phone with an 18-inch doll donation (up to 1,000 dolls each day) as part of its 2014 “Share the Wonder of the Holidays” giving campaign.

Working with the Children’s Hospital Association, the donation will help bring comfort and cheer to thousands of young girls receiving care in any of the association’s 200 U.S. member hospitals.

“This holiday, we know millions of girls will experience the joy that comes with the gift of an American Girl doll. We want to share the magic and emotion of that event with even more girls — especially those who could use some extra cheer in their lives,” said Jean McKenzie, president of American Girl.

Amy Knight, chief operating officer at Children’s Hospital Association, said: “Children’s hospitals are unique community resources, distinctly qualified to care for children. This generous donation will bring joy to thousands of patients receiving care in children’s hospitals during the holiday season.”

American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Headquartered in Middleton, Wisc., American Girl products are sold exclusively through its award-winning catalog, on americangirl.com, and in its 16 experiential retail stores.