Group reunites kids with lost stuffed animals after Texas floods
Last week's flash flooding has killed at least 120 people in Kerr County, including 36 children, and more than 160 others are still missing. Among the victims were 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp that sits along the Guadalupe River, located about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Images of the aftermath of the deadly flooding at Camp Mystic show campers' damaged belongings, including pink blankets and plush toys, sprawled across the devastation and covered with mud.
The Lost Stuffy Project, a grassroots organization, is working to replace the irreplaceable by reuniting children affected by the flood with replicas of their beloved, and now lost, items they never thought they'd see again. Victims can submit a description and photo of their child's lost item through a request form, and the group will ship a replica in stitch and clean condition.
At least five replicas of beloved items belonging to Camp Mystic campers have been shipped, and the group is also supporting families impacted by the flooding, according to Lost Stuffy Project Founder Randi Jaffee.
"We are obviously devastated to have this opportunity, but it is a beautiful thing that people are helping us do," Jaffee told USA TODAY.
Project founded after LA wildfires earlier this year
As a child life specialist at a New Jersey children's hospital, Jaffee understands the comfort and sense of security these items give youth.
The idea for the project originated from seeing the destruction of the Los Angeles County wildfires at the start of 2025, Jaffee said. She thought about what items she would grab if her house were on fire and decided on her 3-year-old's small stuffed cheetah.
"There was no way I'd be able to find a replacement. There was no brand or tag," Jaffee said. "And I just thought these kids have lost everything, and they don't even have any comfort item to bring them any security."
With the help of strangers online, Jaffee managed to find replicas for multiple children impacted by the wildfires. While some requests required a simple Amazon order, the majority were unique, older items that required an in-depth search to find.
With the help of a stranger across the country, Jaffee said the group successfully tracked down a 30-year-old stuffed bunny from a Gap store that a young girl in California had lost.
Lost Stuffy Project finds, sends replicas for funerals
The California wildfires inspired the Lost Stuffy Project, but the Texas floods have proven to be a far more nuanced situation, Jaffee said.
She explained that one of their clients was a family member of a girl who died at Camp Mystic, hoping to replace a Jellycat plush to place on top of her coffin. While the item was out of stock, the team refused to give up and was later contacted by a woman who owned the exact item and was willing to donate it in time for the family's funeral in Houston on Friday.
"The person that had it just thanked me profusely for allowing her the opportunity to do this. That's something she will carry with her for the rest of her life," Jaffee said.
Jaffee said it was gut-wrenching to have received three different inquiries for stuffed animals that belonged to girls killed at Camp Mystic.
"But to be able to be this positive small piece of the story is really just something I feel so grateful about," she added.
How you can support the Lost Stuffy Project
The best way to support is by visiting their Instagram page, which posts daily updates about items they are looking for. On Thursday, July 10, the group asked the public to help locate a specific stuffed Alf toy that was lost in the flooding, as well as a stuffed Jellycat lamb.
Jaffee said she is in awe of the collaboration from strangers across the country, who have been scouring the internet or their garages to find lost items.
The group also raised $9,000 earlier this year to develop an emergency financial assistance program to help families fulfill their Amazon wish lists after natural disasters.
Aside from the stuffed animal searches, the Lost Stuffy Project also supports schools and community centers. Among the organizations they've helped was a California residential facility that houses children and adults with developmental disabilities. Jaffee said they were able to supply new iPads after the center lost everything during the flooding.
"This is how things are getting done. We watched this happen in LA also, and it was just so inspiring to see the good of the internet and people really working together to help," she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
The best BBQ smokers
If you're looking for maximum barbecue flavor, the best smokers are the answer. Smoking is a great way to preserve food and impart a deep, fire-roasted taste. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart the ultimate flavor. We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal flavor, the Weber Original Kettle can be used as a smoker and grill, is budget-friendly, and doesn't take up too much space. Top picks for the best smokers Best pellet: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Best pellet Whether you're looking to upgrade an old, well-used smoker grill or are new to the space, the Traeger Woodridge Pro is a great choice for most people. Its heat retention is excellent, and it has advanced wireless connectivity, both of which mean less hands-on cooking is needed. Plus, it has a hearty 970 square inches of cooking real estate, a size that I've personally verified is enough for five full racks of ribs with room to spare. It's versatile as both a smoker and a grill. As is common in the smoker space, the Woodridge Pro can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has a super smoke mode that can be used when grilling under 200 degrees for even more intense smoky flavor. This is a true treat when paired with the right meats. The 24-pound pellet hopper pretty much ensures you'll never run out of fuel during a long cook, but a sensor inside the hopper can relay a notification to the app when it's time to add more — just in case. You can customize the grill. A few years ago, Traeger got serious about updating its line of grilling accessories with the P.A.L. Pop And Lock system. Now, nearly all of its current grills can use the same shelves, hooks, paper towel holder, and hanging storage. Your investment now won't be wasted in the future. Traeger makes three different Woodridge grills, but the Pro is best for most. While there are plenty of other fine smokers out there, the new line of Woodridge smokers offers a range of features to satisfy all, at a price that's easy to stomach. The entry-level model is a good choice for infrequent chefs, and the Elite model is a complete outdoor kitchen, but the Pro model is well-rounded and suitable for most people. If you're curious about other models, you can check out our guide to the best Traeger grills and best pellet grills Best for beginners We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price. Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most. Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun. I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead. Best charcoal To do barbecue right, you'll want the best offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks, says, "When it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood." Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. It's remarkably heat-stable. When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill maintained a near-constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns. Like with many offset smokers, there's a learning curve. Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error. Best electric Electric smokers are among the easiest to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours upon hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons. There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and effortless as smoking gets. Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a midsize barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat. You can only use it outdoors, and I wish this grill had handles because I've had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source. Best budget Good news: you can smoke just fine on a standard charcoal grill. There's a sizeable series of YouTube wormholes to help you navigate your way through converting Weber's Kettle grill into one of the best smokers. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon. Thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle, you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention. With the lid on properly, you'll have no trouble maintaining heat. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking. You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so. If you want even more versatility, the KettleBasic Pizza Oven Kit turns your charcoal grill into one of the best pizza ovens. Best indoor An indoor electric smoker shouldn't be your first choice when picking a grill to infuse meat with rich, smoky flavor. But if you're limited in space or by other circumstances, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a terrific option to keep you cooking and the meals flowing. It features a small wood pellet hopper to create the internal smoke, but its active filtration system keeps your house from being flooded with a haze. The countertop-size unit has 293 square inches of cooking space, which isn't enormous, but should be plenty of room to make dinner for the family. I'm constantly impressed by how many wings or the cut of ribs that I can fit onto the three grates. Even if that internal space isn't a limiting factor, you should be aware that the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker has a heating range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. It's perfect for the low-and-slow cooking method, but it won't be able to sear or really serve as a general-purpose countertop oven for other kinds of food. I've found myself using the indoor smoker the most during the winter when it wasn't convenient to cook outside. Making it even more user-friendly, I'm a fan of the built-in WiFi that pairs with the GE SmartHQ mobile app to let you monitor its timer, check the internal probe temperature, and adjust the timer all remotely. If you really want to get fancy, you can connect it with Alexa or Google Home to use certain voice commands. For its $699 retail price, you can get a good outdoor smoker, but if you don't have the outside space for a traditional smoker, then this one does a great job preparing juicy, flavorful cuts of meat. Then again, even if you already have a regular smoker you like, this one is always an option for a secondary one when it's too cold to be outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor What kind of smoker is best? Smokers are generally classified by the type of fuel used. A charcoal or wood-burning grill will give you the most smoke flavor, but you'll have to be more mindful about refilling throughout the BBQ process. Here's a breakdown of the different smoker types: What to look for in a BBQ smoker Smoker heat source: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off. Material quality: Most grills have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, even the best smokers are still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers. Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty. How we test the best smokers After assembling the best smokers, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests: Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound shoulders, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder. Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18.) We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills. Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly. We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen, to find out what makes a good smoker. Barbecue smoker FAQs Can you smoke on a gas grill? Yes and no. You can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill. However, Steven Raichlen told us that because gas grills aren't sealed well enough, you shouldn't expect BBQ-quality smoke from a gas grill. If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills. Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker? Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD, which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can withstand burning wood. How does smoking work? BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke food. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
This under-$50 heirloom-quality Dutch oven is proof we (maybe) don't need trust funds
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. There's something sacred about the weight of a Dutch oven. It feels ancestral, like it belongs in the hearth of a stone cottage with a soup that's been simmering for three generations. And for less than $50? The Overmont 5.5QT Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is giving 'heirloom energy' without the heirloom price tag. For a legitimate enameled cast iron pot that can roast, bake, braise, and moonlight as a cauldron for whatever the concoction, it's a criminal-level steal. This is the kind of cookware that transforms you from 'occasional pasta person' to 'accidental weekend chef.' You might even start a garden. Advertisement No, it doesn't come complete with a fancy brand name. But here's the plot twist: unless you're conducting a side-by-side in a Michelin test kitchen, your pot roast doesn't care. Reviews of the Overmont Dutch oven claim that it retains heat beautifully, has that silky smooth enamel interior, and comes in at a fraction of the price of its fancy cousins. It's heavy enough to feel quality but not so heavy you'll need a spotter to move it from stove to oven. And the 5.5-quart size is that just-right middle ground — generous, but not gargantuan. Amazon The Overmont 5.5QT Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a high-performance kitchen staple with a heavy-duty cast iron core and glossy enamel coating, designed to go from stovetop to oven with ease. It features dual handles for safe lifting, a snug-fitting lid to lock in moisture and flavor, and an interior that's non-stick-adjacent without the weird coatings. Whether you're braising short ribs, baking sourdough, or making a mountain of mac and cheese, this versatile pot is up for the challenge—and the clean-up is surprisingly painless. This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post's shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith's Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Locals save Venice island from private takeover, open it to all
A group of Venetian locals won a bid to oversee part of one of the city's islands that was at risk of being turned over to private developers. The group, Poveglia per tutti (Poveglia for all), told USA TODAY in a statement that they will assume control of the green space on the northmost island of the three that make up Poveglia beginning on Friday. The association will maintain control of the area under a six-year lease and said they hope to make improvements to the island to make it more accessible to visitors. "Our main goal is to ensure that the island does not get sold to private owners, as has already happened to other islands in the lagoon that have become inaccessible to non-paying visitors," the group said in a statement to USA TODAY. "The island has always been accessible only to small boats due to the absence of safe landing points, and is not connected by public transport. We are now working to make it more accessible by building safer moorings. The island will always be open to everybody, not just local residents." The group also wanted to assure visitors that their section of the island would remain open to out-of-town visitors, as previous media reports said their plan was to make it a locals-only haven. "We categorically deny what has been reported by some press outlets regarding the claim that Poveglia will no longer be visitable from now on, or limited to a selected category of visitors," their statement said.
