When devastating flash floods tore through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, many children lost not only their homes but also their most comforting possessions - like stuffed animals that stayed behind in the chaos. That’s where Project Stuffy, powered by the nonprofit Lost Stuffy Project, stepped in to make sure those little companions found their way back to their rightful owners or were lovingly replaced.
Founded by New Jersey-based child-life specialist Randi Jaffe, the Lost Stuffy Project launched during California wildfires and quickly expanded to Texas, fielding more than 15 requests from families - many tied to Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta in Kerr County.
Their volunteers locate, refurbish, and ship stuffed animals or custom-made replicas - often overnight - to give grieving or displaced children a touchstone during an unimaginably difficult time.
Teenager Alexis Moriarty, who found a muddy stuffed lamb while volunteering near Comfort, Texas, cleaned it and shared its photo online - sparking connections and inspiring others to help search or identify lost items. That same lamb eventually joined Project Stuffy’s efforts to find a match.
In one particularly moving case, the family of an 8-year-old Camp Mystic camper who died requested their daughter’s brown Jellycat monkey - her favorite and most prized possession. Project Stuffy not only tracked it down but also sent a replica to include in her casket, a gesture of solace for grieving loved ones.
Why It Matters for KRLD Listeners
Lost stuffed animals may seem small in a catastrophe of this scale, but for traumatized kids and bereaved families, they're anchors in the storm - symbols of home, comfort, and childhood memories. With over 120 lives lost, including 27 young girls at Camp Mystic, Project Stuffy’s mission brings more than plush toys - it delivers emotional healing.
As cleanup continues across the Hill Country, volunteers and donor-driven efforts help ensure every possible stuffed friend is identified, cleaned, and returned - or gently replaced. It’s a community-powered reminder that even small acts can carry profound meaning.
How to Help or Get Involved
Know someone affected by the Central Texas floods who lost a child’s comfort item? Visit the Lost Stuffy Project website to submit a request.
Found a stuffed animal while helping with recovery efforts? Report it via the project’s social channels or upload a photo to their online database.
Want to support quietly? Donations help cover replica toys, shipping costs, and the efforts of stitchers who restore well-worn favorites.
For families in our broadcast area - especially those with ties to the Hill Country - this effort offers hope and healing one tiny toy at a time.
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