American Girl's '2015 Girl Of The Year' Grace Thomas Inspires, 'Bakes' a Difference

Jan 02, 2015 02:44 PM EST

American girl dolls are one of the most popular children's toys in the world, and the company's latest creation will likely be no exception. On New Years Day, the mutli-billion dollar company debuted Grace Thomas, the 2015 Girl of the Year.

Grace is described as a 9-year-old girl with brown hair and blue eyes, who was inspired to make her own bakery with her two friends after a trip to Paris. She comes with a variety of French-inspired outfits, accessories and toys.

GMA reports that the Grace doll will be available for a year starting on New Year's Day 2015 in the specialty store, at the store's website and through its catalog. A movie about her story, in addition to several books, will debut on DVD in the summer.

This doll, who was unveiled Wednesday on Good Morning America - has already received a great deal of attention on the American Girl Facebook page, with fans apparently loving the description of the newest American Girl.

"I love the doll and her collection! It was just enchanting to see all the happy little girls in the store with their new Grace dolls. We just stopped and listened to the chorus of little girls who were excitedly discussing their hopes and ideas...and what a happy sound it was! I love that your product line inspires little girls...on an unprecedented level," wrote one commenter named Heidi.

In support of Grace's story, American girl has also launched an initiative called "For Goodness, Bake!" which will raise money for Share Our Strength's "No Kid Hungry" campaign, which seeks to end child hunger in America.

Thus far, American Girl has given $50,000 to the initiative and is reportedly encouraging girls to host charity bake sales in their communities and donate the proceeds to "No Kid Hungry."

"For 1 in 5 kids in America, hunger makes it hard to play, learn, and grow. When a grown-up registers for you to join a nationwide bake sale sponsored by American Girl and No Kid Hungry, you can help all kids in America get the food they need," reads a statement on the American Girl website.

"The money raised will help connect kids to meals, cooking classes, and more."

Parents can visit americangirl.com/girloftheyear to learn more about the initiative, to register for the Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry, and be entered into the For Goodness, Bake! sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 41 Grace prize packages.