COMMUnity relief
Wildfire-Affected Community Access Initiatives
The Los Angeles wildfires have devastated communities in the Museum’s backyard, impacting many of our visitors, members, and supporters.
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Some lost everything in the fires, and many are displaced, returning to their homes only to find that they are uninhabitable. Schools, places of worship, and public spaces burned down, depriving the community of safe spaces to gather as they cope with such traumatic loss.
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We recognize how important connection is in recovering and rebuilding during difficult times. We hope Cayton Children’s Museum can provide comfort and unity for families and communities suffering from loss.
Here are a few ways the Cayton is responding to and supporting our community in the aftermath
of the wildfires:
Free Admission for Affected Families
We are offering free admission on weekdays to families who have been displaced or directly impacted by the fires. This also extends to first responders and their families, as well as the National Guard.
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Tickets can be reserved in person at our front desk. Please note, due to capacity limits, we may not be able to accommodate all guests immediately upon arrival. This offer will remain in effect until further notice.
Community Gatherings
We are offering free usage of our private spaces, both during public and closed hours, for nonprofit organizations that lost their establishments in the wildfires to serve their communities.
We can also provide an uplifting space for organizations that serve children to help them cope during this scary time. Our goal is to help people through the grief and recovery process and provide a sense of normalcy in a high-stress time. For questions, please contact events@caytonmuseum.org.
Teddy Bear Project
We are working with the Teddy Bear Project to distribute hundreds of teddies and stuffed animals to children who visit the Cayton.
Each "stuffie" will have inspirational messaging on its tag to provide children with a sense of comfort, reduce stress, and help them process their emotions during this time of healing.
Family Resources
It can be challenging to talk to kids about the impact of the wildfires, especially those who have experienced loss firsthand.
The Cayton is working on aggregating resources and knowledge to support Grown-Ups speaking with their children about such incredibly challenging topics
Community Strong
We recognize that recovery does not happen overnight—our community will need support for months and the year to come. Providing free admission and a safe space for gatherings in the coming months, the Cayton can help give our neighbors stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging when needed.
However, we are also working with nonprofits and schools whose structures burned down, and that will require more long-term solutions. We can be a place for them to continue their work and education so that those already struggling have continuity in their lives.
The Cayton is committed to serving our community over the long haul. Our job as a children’s museum is to ensure everyone feels welcome, connected, and inspired-especially as we navigate the worst disaster in Southern California’s history.
Join Us
The Cayton needs your generous support to fund and continue these efforts for communities impacted by the wildfires. This is when the Museum, like so many meaningful nonprofits, is called upon to show up with open arms to those facing devastating losses. For those of us with open hearts and the blessings of our homes, we hope you will join us in this healing. Please consider making a donation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the FAQ page HERE