Latest news with #LostStuffyProject
Washington Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Texas campers lost beloved stuffed animals. One group wants to replace them.
The young campers arrived at Camp Mystic with their most cherished possessions in tow: One girl brought a stuffed brown dog that she'd named Ruff Ruff. Another carried a soft pink poodle blankie — lovingly dubbed her 'Guppie.' There were stuffed lambs and monkeys, bears and lovies, lifelong favorites meant to soothe the children who were staying at the Christian girls camp in the Texas Hill Country. Many of those beloved comfort items were lost to the catastrophic floods that swept through Central Texas in the predawn hours of July 4, as the terrified children at Camp Mystic rushed to evacuate their inundated cabins. Among at least 120 people killed in the flash floods, at least 27 were campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. Three dozen of those who died in Kerr County were children, authorities confirmed Thursday. In the midst of such staggering loss, one all-volunteer nonprofit organization, Lost Stuffy Project, is trying to bring every small measure of comfort possible to families affected by the flood — by replacing the treasured stuffed animals, blankets and other comfort items that were carried away by the raging Guadalupe River. The first request came from the parents of one of Camp Mystic's youngest campers, the little girl who brought Ruff Ruff, the stuffed dog. She was evacuated from camp by helicopter, says Randi Jaffe, the founder of Lost Stuffy Project. When the girl left her cabin, she was clutching the dog, but somewhere in the chaos that followed, Ruff Ruff was lost. The girl's mom later contacted Lost Stuffy Project, asking if there was any way they could help. 'She's had that stuffed animal since she was a baby — her whole life,' Jaffe says of the child. 'Her mom said that losing it was devastating for her.' So Lost Stuffy Project went to work: They posted a photograph of Ruff Ruff to their Instagram, where more than 33,000 followers were ready to help. The group included the brand (Gund) and name (Muttsy) of the dog, and bands of internet sleuths immediately set out to track down a replacement. They succeeded, Jaffe says, within about 10 minutes: 'We were able to return the dog to the family in under two days.' The Texas flood is the second environmental catastrophe that the nonprofit has been involved with: Jaffe, a certified child life specialist and a mom of 8- and 4-year-old children in New Jersey, founded Lost Stuffy Project in the aftermath of the deadly wildfires that tore through the Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods of Los Angeles in January. 'I have worked with kids and families in horrific situations for about 15 years, and when the wildfires happened, I was just devastated — I found myself not being able to sleep,' Jaffe says. 'I was thinking: What would I grab if my house was on fire?' She kept returning to the idea of a child's most treasured comfort item, the blankies and stuffies that they can't fall asleep without. 'I thought, I don't know how I'm going to do this, but let me see if there's a way to connect with families and see what things they've lost, and if we can replace them,' she says. The grassroots effort quickly drew thousands of online followers, and now that growing community has turned their gaze to the aftermath of the destruction in Texas. So far, Jaffe says, more than 15 requests have come in from families — most associated with Camp Mystic and some from Camp La Junta, an all-boys camp also located in Kerr County — with more inquiries arriving daily. Lost Stuffy Project found a replacement for the pink poodle blanket ('Our daughter [has had it] since birth,' the girl's mother wrote to the organization, 'it's the thing she misses most.') They replaced a pastel-colored rabbit with floppy ears, a soft white sheep and an Alf doll. The organization has also shared photos of stuffed animals found by volunteers on the ground after the floodwaters receded: A mud-encrusted lamb with striped legs; a battered, waterlogged brown horse ('Let's try to get it back to its owner,' the group wrote in the caption. No luck yet, Jaffe says, but they're not giving up.) For the first time, the group has also received several heartbreaking requests on behalf of grieving parents. A friend of one bereaved family shared that a 9-year-old girl had brought a treasured stuffed Jellycat-brand monkey with her to Camp Mystic, and her parents wanted it back — or one just like it — to place atop her casket at her funeral. Because a child's favorite stuffed animal is often a number of years old, it can be challenging to find brand-new replacements, says Amanda Shankin, chief operating officer of Lost Stuffy Project. In those instances, Shankin says, the best chance is finding someone who personally owns the same toy — 'somebody might very selflessly be willing to part with it for a child who needs it,' she says. The group posted a photograph of the lost monkey, and 'within a couple of hours there were several people who said: I have this monkey.' The exact replacement was overnighted to the family, she says. The group aims to find the best-possible replacement, Shankin says. New is ideal, but often impossible. In cases where the only options are well-worn replacements, they'll go to extra lengths to give the stuffed critter new life: They work with a volunteer in Michigan who does 'a stuffy rehab,' Shankin says. 'She does a deep cleaning, replaces the insides, sews any holes — just does a full makeover before it's returned to the family. She's been incredible.' The community that has developed around the project is a fiercely committed one, Jaffe says; they find great meaning in these small, communal acts of kindness. 'People feel so passionate about it, because if you're a mom, or you have a kid, or you were a kid, you know how important these comfort items are,' Shankin says. 'I'm 40 years old, and I still have my teddy bear from growing up.' The group's efforts also offer people a tangible way to help, even if they don't have much money or time to spare. 'If you can just send us a link, or tips on how to find a stuffy, that makes such a difference in a family's life,' Shankin says. Now, Jaffe says, they want to let the Central Texas community know that they're here, and ready to be of help. The group has been raising funds to support the community in other ways, as well — including providing gift cards to families, fulfilling Amazon wish lists for area schools and replacing lost iPads for an organization for developmentally disabled children who rely on the devices. 'It's overwhelming and it's unfathomable that this happened,' Jaffe says. 'We just feel so grateful to be in this position to give people any sense of peace, or a tiny bit of comfort.' Ever since Ruff Ruff's replacement was delivered to the waiting little girl, she can't go to sleep without it, her mother told Jaffe. 'It meant the world,' Jaffe says. 'Not just to her daughter, but to their family.'
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Grieving mom of dead Camp Mystic camper desperately seeks daughter's ‘most prized possession' lost in devastating Texas floods
A grieving Texas mother whose 8-year-old daughter died when catastrophic flash floods ripped through Camp Mystic is desperately seeking the return of her child's cherished stuffed toy. Stacy Stevens, whose daughter Mary Barrett Stevens was among the 27 killed when tragedy struck the all-girls Christian camp on July 4, said the youngster's beloved brown monkey was swept away in the deadly floodwaters. 'Looking for my daughter's monkey that she has had her whole life and took with her to camp,' Stevens wrote Tuesday in a since-deleted public post in a Facebook group focused on recovering lost items from the Guadalupe River. Advertisement 7 Mary Stevens, a Camp Mystic camper, died in the catastrophic flash floods. Family Handout 'We lost my daughter and would love to have it back as it was her most prized possession. It has her name on the tag — a square sticker with Mary Barrett Stevens on it. Please call me if you find it!' The stuffed animal is believed to be a brown Fuddlewuddle monkey made by Jellycat. 7 The stuffed animal is believed to be a brown Fuddlewuddle monkey made by Jellycat. Facebook/Stacy Stevens Advertisement 7 Facebook post seeking a lost stuffed monkey. Facebook/Stacy Stevens It remains unknown if the furry companion was found. But the Lost Stuffy Project, a nonprofit organization, has since claimed to have sent a replacement plush toy to the heartbroken mother. Advertisement 7 Mary Stevens and her family. Gofundme 'Grateful we were able to send a replica to this sweet family,' the group wrote on Instagram Thursday. Camp Mystic, founded in 1926, didn't evacuate before the devastating rainfall in the already flood-prone area along the Guadalupe River led to the deadliest floods Texas has seen in more than a century. 7 The flooded interior of a cabin at Camp Mystic where at least 20 girls went missing during the flooding. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement The fatal deluge ravaged the grounds of the Kerr County summer camp, killing 8- and 9-year-old campers, their teenage counselors, and the camp's owner. Mary, a student at Highland Park Elementary School in Austin, was remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted, bright and compassionate child with an 'infectious' laugh, according to a GoFundMe created to support the family. 7 Children's belongings left behind at Camp Mystic on July 7, 2025. Getty Images Stevens had earlier offered words to her lost child via the Austin American-Statesman. 'You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you. I'm the luckiest that I got to be your mom and I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did. Fearless. Enthusiastic. Compassionate. And full of joy,' Stevens said, addressing Mary, according to the local outlet. 'Our world is shattered but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you.' Stevens did not immediately respond to messages from The Post on Thursday afternoon. A spokesperson for the family said they are asking for privacy while they grieve. 7 Muddy, stuffed bull left on the stone steps of Campy Mystic after a flood. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement At least 120 people were killed across the Lone Star State in the horrific flood, with 173 others still missing, including five campers and one counselor, officials said. Rescuers continue to search for survivors.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- General
- USA Today
Group reunites Texas flood victims with lost stuffed toys: See how to help
On top of families losing homes or loved ones to the devastating July 4 central Texas flooding, many children also lost their stuffed animals, dolls, action figures and other emotional support items. 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. A post shared by Lost Stuffy Project (@loststuffyproject) 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.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- General
- USA Today
Group reunites kids with lost stuffed animals after Texas floods
On top of families losing homes or loved ones to the devastating July 4 central Texas flooding, many children also lost their stuffed animals, dolls, action figures and other emotional support items. 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.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steve Carell helps save prom for hundreds of students impacted by LA fires
Hundreds of students impacted by the Los Angeles area wildfires in January can go to prom this spring thanks to actor Steve Carell. Carell said in a video message shared to students at six Los Angeles area high schools on Tuesday that he was teaming up with the nonprofit Alice's Kids to share the generous gift. "Attention! Attention all seniors! This is Steve Carell with a very special announcement," Carell began. "I work with a wonderful charity based out of Virginia called Alice's Kids, and Alice's Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets." Hollywood stars share devastation from California fires "Have fun! Enjoy the prom! And remember, this is Steve Carell," he added. Alice's Kids confirmed in a Facebook post Tuesday that the organization will fund tickets for about 800 students in six high schools in Altadena, California, that were affected by the Eaton Fire, which burned over 14,000 acres across Los Angeles County from Jan. 7 until Jan. 31, according to Cal Fire. Moms launch 'Lost Stuffy Project' to reunite kids impacted by LA fires with stuffed toys "Today, the six high schools in Altadena, Ca are holding special assemblies for their seniors. Once seated, the kids will see this wonderful announcement from our friend, Steve Carell," Alice's Kids wrote in their post. "Yes, we are paying for every prom ticket (about 800) for every senior in that area that was impacted by the Eaton fire!" In a video clip from one of the assemblies shared by Alice's Kids, students yelled out in surprise and burst into cheers and applause upon hearing the news. Steve Carell helps save prom for hundreds of students impacted by LA fires originally appeared on
