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Gender-neutral Easy-Bake on the way

Published: December 18, 2012

McKenna Pope, 13, right, and her brother Gavyn Boscio, 4, pose for a photo at their home in Garfield, N.J. on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Pope started a petition demanding the toy company Hasbro make its Easy-Bake Oven more boy friendly. She was inspired to do so when Gavyn put the oven on his Christmas wish list and she and their mother, Erica Boscio, found the toy only available with girls on the packaging and in pink or purple colors. The petition garnered more than 30,000 signatures in a little more than a week. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Julio Cortez — ASSOCIATED PRESS

By MICHELLE R. SMITH — The Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Hasbro says it will soon reveal a gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven after meeting with a New Jersey girl who started a campaign calling on the toy maker to make one that appeals to all kids.

Thirteen-year-old McKenna Pope of Garfield, N.J., met Monday with officials at the company’s Pawtucket, R.I., headquarters.

It was there that they showed off a prototype of their newest Easy-Bake. It’s black, silver and blue, rather than purple and pink.

McKenna says the company is doing everything she asked, including putting boys in the ads.

Hasbro says it’s been working on the new color scheme for about 18 months. It says it could be on store shelves next summer.

An online petition McKenna started got support from celebrity chefs, including Bobby Flay.

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