As wildfires devastated Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of homes, two mothers launched a grassroots effort to help affected children. Sisters-in-law Randi Jaffe and Jenny Jaffe created the LA Lost Stuffy Project, a program that raises funds to replace stuffed toys and blankets lost in the fires. Their work gained national recognition at the 2025 GRAMMYs, where an ad featuring the Jonas Brothers highlighted their efforts alongside other relief initiatives.
Randi, a child life specialist and mother of two, says the idea stemmed from her understanding of how vital comfort items are for kids facing trauma. Though she and Jenny live in New Jersey and New York, they felt compelled to help displaced families across the country. They connect donors with families in need or personally source and ship replacement stuffed animals and blankets, striving to match lost items as closely as possible.
Emily Balliet, who lost her Altadena home in the fires, says the project has brought much-needed light to her family. Her four-year-old son, Yves, was overwhelmed with joy when he received a replacement for his cherished stuffed unicorn, Horn. The Jaffes are now working to expand their efforts to include replacing Christmas and holiday gifts lost in the disaster. But more importantly, they want wildfire victims to know that people around the world are thinking of them and want to help.
Source: GOOD MORNING AMERICA
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