Photo of Etan Patz
Why May 25th matters
On May 25, 1979, 6-year-old Etan Patz vanished from a New York City street on his way to his school bus.
In 2017, a former bodega stock clerk confessed to Etan’s kidnapping and murder. The store clerk was convicted, but the case remains active because his body was never found.
On May 25, 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Missing Children's Day in memory of Etan Patz.
Missing Children are Never Forgotten
California's first AMBER Alert
16-year-old Tamara Asher was sitting in her friend’s parked car when suddenly everything changed. She found herself staring down the barrel of a gun. “Unlock the doors and keep your eyes on the floor.”
For hours, Tamara was held captive. No one knew where she was. Every second mattered.
So, California took an unprecedented step. For the first time, the state authorized an AMBER Alert—mobilizing millions of people to look for Tamara. Her description and the suspect’s vehicle were broadcast across highways, television, and radio stations, turning an entire state into a network of eyes searching for her.
Behind the scenes, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) was working urgently to push critical information out as quickly and widely as possible. And then, something powerful happened. People paid attention. Someone recognized the vehicle—and made the call.
Because of that one alert, law enforcement was able to locate the car and bring Tamara home safely.
Today, Tamara is a survivor, child advocate, and NCMEC board member who uses her voice to help protect other children.
Did you know?
Every number represents a child who needs our help.
At NCMEC, we track and analyze attempted abductions to uncover patterns that help protect children. Our latest report on attempted abductions reveals alarming trends that underscore the urgency of our work with law enforcement and communities nationwide.
Our analysis of attempted child abductions between January 1, 2005–December 31, 2024 reveals eye-opening statistics and trends, including:
- The most common types of abductions
- Age and gender demographics
- Key risk factors and patterns
We never stop searching, never give up hope.
Take a moment to look at these children with missing anniversaries this week.
Every year that passes is a heartbreaking reminder of why our mission matters. NCMEC marks the anniversary of a child’s disappearance as a call to action—to raise awareness, reignite hope, and keep their stories alive. Missing children are never forgotten.
Someone, somewhere, knows something. Could it be you?
Help bring them home:
1-800-THE-LOST
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
About the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
At NCMEC, our teams work around the clock—responding to urgent reports, supporting families in crisis, and helping bring children home safely. We partner with families, private industry, law enforcement, and communities to find missing children, stop child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.
This work never stops. And neither can we.
Every dollar helps NCMEC continue our mission to find missing children, support survivors, and prevent child exploitation.
Frequently asked questions
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NCMEC holds a perfect 100% four star rating on Charity Navigator, a gold seal of excellence from America's Best Charities, and a top charity rating from the Better Business Bureau, among several other awards and recognitions. Over 92 cents of every dollar raised goes towards NCMEC's programs and services. When you give to NCMEC, you can rest assured that your donation helps to find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.