May 25

National Missing Children’s Day

Show your support for National Missing Children's Day - let's all come together and help reunite families and keep our children safe.

Yearly Date
May 25
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

May 25 marks the annual celebration of National Missing Children’s Day! This day was first established in 1983 by President Ronald Regan to honor and bring attention to missing children and their families. It's also a chance for us all to get together, support each other, remember those who are still missing, and celebrate everyone who has been reunited with their loved ones.

National Missing Children’s Day Timeline

1979
Etan Patz Disappearance
Six-year-old Etan Patz goes missing in New York, his case garnering nationwide attention and significantly raising awareness of missing children's issues.
1981
Adam Walsh Case
The abduction and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh leads to reform in the way law enforcement handles cases of missing children.
1983
First Missing Children’s Day
President Ronald Reagan proclaims May 25 as National Missing Children's Day in the United States.
1984
Establishment of NCMEC
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is established to help find missing children, reduce child exploitation, and prevent child victimization.
1996
Megan's Law
Megan's Law is passed, requiring law enforcement authorities to make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders.
2003
AMBER Alert System
The AMBER Alert System, a crucial tool for the immediate nationwide broadcast of information about missing children, was established in the United States.

How to Celebrate National Missing Children’s Day

1

Organize a fundraiser

Gather a group of people to help raise money for organizations that are dedicated to protecting and finding missing children. You can set up an online fundraiser or organize an event at your local park.

2

Volunteer with a local organization

Find an organization that is dedicated to helping find missing children, and offer your time and skills to help them in their mission. This could be anything from administrative assistance to helping out on search and rescue missions.

3

Spread awareness

Take some time to educate yourself on the issue of missing children, then spread this knowledge through social media, emails, or other forms of communication. Encourage others to show their support by donating or volunteering.

4

Attend a vigil

Many communities come together during National Missing Children's Day and hold vigils for all of the children who have gone missing. Attend one of these events and show your support for the cause.

5

Donate toys

Donating toys to local organizations that work with missing children can help provide comfort and joy during difficult times. This can also help bring more attention to the issue, so consider donating gently used toys that you no longer need.

Why National Missing Children’s Day is Important

A

Missing Children’s Day heightens public awareness of the issue

National Missing Children's Day is held every May to raise awareness about the problem of missing children in the US and around the world. By increasing public visibility of this important issue, it helps to inform people about the risk of children going missing as well as how they can protect their own kids from falling victim to predators or other dangerous situations.

B

Missing Children’s Day gives hope to families searching for loved ones

For families with a missing child, National Missing Children's Day serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their fight for justice. The day provides an opportunity for them to share their stories and draw attention to the plight of those still searching for their lost family members.

C

Missing Children’s Day encourages child safety initiatives

National Missing Children's Day also generates support for initiatives designed to keep kids safe. These may include efforts to promote internet safety, prevent trafficking, reduce bullying, and increase law enforcement protections. Such initiatives help create safer communities and ensure that all children have access to resources and support when they need it most.

National Missing Children’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 24
Wednesday
2024
May 24
Friday
2025
May 24
Saturday
2026
May 24
Sunday
2027
May 24
Monday