The Lost Stuffy Project is the nonprofit started by trained child life specialist Randi Jaffe. Its mission is to re-unite children with their favorite stuffed animals, which they were separated from during traumatic events. Established in January, the project initially operated under the name LA Lost Stuffy Project following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Over the years it went beyond its original California-only mission and is now helping families impacted by disasters all over the country.
The nonprofit is currently focused on supporting families impacted by the brutal flash floods in Central Texas. These floods happened on July 4, 2021. These floods have been catastrophic, with at least 120 confirmed deaths and more than 160 still missing. Out of this unimaginable tragedy the Lost Stuffy Project was born. Over a dozen families have already contacted us hoping that we can help recover their missing playthings.
Jaffe, who runs the project from New Jersey, said alleviating the suffering caused by trauma is close to her heart. She underscored the importance of emotional support amidst great suffering. She added, “I want people in Texas who have experienced trauma, to understand that there are a lot of people who love you, want to support you, and hope to be a part of your journey toward healing and finding comfort.
Everyday families are contacting The Lost Stuffy Project. Others are looking for plush bears abandoned on story time mats or run off from the zoo on rescue missions. Still others are suffering deep grief—for some orders include making stand-ins for toys for children that have died. Jaffe noticed that many people are looking for stuffed animals. They either left these beloved items behind in their state rooms or lost them on their rescue. We’ve been hearing from families where the daughters have died and they’re looking for a replica of their stuffed animal.
To make these reunions possible, the nonprofit collaborates with Budsies—a custom keepsakes company that donates its stuffed-animal fusion replication services. This partnership helps the Lost Stuffy Project create beloved replicas that provide joy and comfort to children in need. We are subsidizing express shipping, overnight shipping.” Jaffe continued, “the sooner … we can get these into these kids’ hands, the better.” It’s this devotion to fast delivery that makes sure kids get their favorite toys in time to play with them over the holidays.
The emotional toll of these reunions has been deep. As one family recalled, their child shed “tears of joy” upon seeing his stuffed animal again. In reality though, one little kid got their stuffed animal returned and was finally able to sleep peacefully again. Jaffe highlighted one particularly poignant request: “In one case, it was to place on the casket at [the girl’s] funeral tomorrow.”
The Lost Stuffy Project continues to expand. In addition to making it available statewide, Jaffe is hopeful that media exposure will help them reach families that need help the most. She remarked, “We’re hoping, with all of this exposure, that it’s going to grow more and more, because of course, we have so many more families to help.”
