How a Stuffed Animal Became a Tool for Healing After Trauma
To a child with nothing, something as simple as a stuffed animal can mean EVERYTHING. Recently, we witnessed this firsthand through a story shared by one of our Partner Agencies.
Three children, exposed to gun violence during a soccer practice, were referred to the Los Angeles REACH Team for support. The incident was chaotic—coaches and parents were protecting children as gunfire rang out, with everyone screaming, running, and ducking for cover. In the midst of the panic, these children were deeply traumatized. As part of their care, they received My Stuff Bags—each containing a stuffed animal to offer comfort and stability.
Laura Drino, Director of Children Exposed to Violence at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, shared a heartwarming story about the children’s response: “During the home visit, the children played with their stuffed animals and even gave them names.”
But the impact didn’t stop there. “A few weeks later, the therapist assigned to the children shared that the children bring their stuffed animals with them to therapy sessions and have learned several grounding techniques in which they incorporate their stuffed animal.”
This simple gesture, a stuffed animal, became a powerful tool in helping these children cope and heal after witnessing such trauma. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest things can have the biggest impact.
