Dania Ramirez Gives Back This Holiday Season

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The season of giving is here and actress Dania Ramirez is excited to do so. However, she isn't just giving to her loved ones but the Devious Maids star is teaming up with toy company Mattel and the Boys & Girls Club of America to donate any that I've known my whole life. I remember being a little girl and just wanting a Barbie and not being able to have one. At this point in my life, to feel like I can be partnered up with Mattel to give children toys and the most popular toys they have, it's just a dream come true.

Which toy are you most excited to give away?

We're gifting the Barbie Fashionista, which I'm really excited about. This one in particular is just a real depiction of what the world is like today. I don't remember growing up looking on television and seeing people like me, or playing with toy and being able to recognize myself in them. Children always need to feel like they're a part of something and I think it really will help kids today to be able to associate with other people and understand that people come in different shapes and different sizes. That's what is really cool about the Barbie Fashionista.

What are you looking forward to most with this partnership?

[It's] to be able to change a child's life by giving them a smile. I also know how important it is to be able to use your imagination and to play. I see my children; they love the mega blocks kitchen because I cook a lot in my house and so they can relate to that. They put their little aprons on and start playing with the toys. I know when I show up at the Boys and Girls Club to give these children that need it so desperately, it's just going to make my life feel worth it.

You grew up in the Dominican Republic with little money- why was it important for you to get involved charitably during the holiday season?

It's always important to give back. I feel like I've been blessed with a lot. I grew up without much so for me to be in a place in my life now where because of my career and my connection to the Latin community, to be able to share some of my blessings with them, it's not only something that will be great for me but I think it's a great inspiration for other people and hopefully it will bring other people to want to get involved.

And how can everyone get involved?

I do want to urge people to call the Boys and Girls Club [to inquire] in which ways they can participate. You don't have to just donate money or toys; you could also show up and be a mentor. These kids need people to look up to and need to feel like they're living in a world where people care.

What are your holiday plans? Are you excited to celebrate with your twins?

The twins' birthday is December 17 so it's going to be back-to-back celebrations at my house so I'm really looking forward to spending time with the family! Spending time together during the holidays and cooking a lot-I love to cook! I'm looking forward to a lot of love and laughter.