Nickelodeon Unveils Celebrity-Designed Backpacks in Windows of Macy’s Herald Square in NYC for Dora the Explorer’s 10th Anniversary

Specially Created Backpacks to Be Auctioned to Benefit Children’s Defense Fund as Part of Nickelodeon’s ‘Beyond The Backpack’ Pro-Social Campaign for Preschoolers
Backpacks Custom Designed by Jessica Alba, Drew Brees, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, LeBron James, Heidi Klum, John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria Parker, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Slash, and Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves

As announced by Nickelodeon,  In honor of Dora the Explorer‘s 10th Anniversary this week, Nickelodeon unveiled 12 custom-made backpacks today in the world-famous windows of Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. Created to support “Beyond the Backpack”—the network’s pro-social campaign championing kindergarten readiness for preschoolers—the backpacks feature premium, one-of-a-kind designs by: Jessica Alba, Drew Brees, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, LeBron James, Heidi Klum, John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria Parker, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Slash, and Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves.  The backpacks will be displayed in the Macy’s Herald Square windows and are available for auction on www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/dora through Sept. 2.  All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund, a key partner in Nickelodeon’s “Beyond the Backpack” campaign.

“Nickelodeon has a legacy of empowering kids and their families by offering them access to the resources they need to be successful in their lives,” said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. “We are very proud and honored to have the Children’s Defense Fund as one of our key partners on Dora’s ‘Beyond the Backpack’ campaign, to help us with our work to encourage parents to be proactive in preparing their kids with the necessary tools for school.”

The backpacks were personally designed and signed for authenticity by each respective celebrity. Hand-made in the United States, the backpacks are stylistically diverse, with distinct Dora-inspired design elements–ranging from punk-rock, to preppy, to goth-chic, to bohemian, to glam. Vivid and colorful soft metallic leather, ultra-suede, rubber, nylon, textured leather, and canvas materials are highlighted with statement-making patterns featuring various graphic styles of Dora and her best pal Boots, Swarovski crystal embellishments, embroidery, appliques and dangling Dora-themed charms.

The proceeds from each backpack’s auction will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), one of “Beyond the Backpack’s” Advisory Committee members, which will be funding school readiness programs.

“The Children’s Defense Fund recognizes the years of research that points to the importance of early childhood development and getting children ready to succeed in school,” noted Edelman. “Beyond the Backpack helps provide stimulating educational tools and learning opportunities all children need. I’m proud to continue this partnership with Nickelodeon – working with these influential celebrities to create backpacks is such an innovative way for parents and early educators to engage children and further the messages of Beyond the Backpack and CDF.”

There is also a limited quantity of each backpack available for auction globally, in countries including France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, Greece, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.  International proceeds will fund various childhood education projects in each respective country.