Dear Friends and Families of the Malibu Community,

Bring Under the Oaks Back to Life After the Fire

The fire took our outdoor play spaces, toys, and yard — but it didn’t take our spirit. Help us rebuild our beloved Malibu early childhood center.

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Dear friends and community,

My name is Sunshine—“Ms. Sunshine” to the children. I grew up in Malibu, attending the Carden Malibu school my grandmother founded in 1965. In 2013, I created Under the Oaks Early Childhood Center, a magical, nature-rooted preschool beneath ancient oak trees by a creek. For over a decade, it has been a nurturing home for Malibu families.

When the Palisades Fire swept through, our building survived thanks to the fire brigade, but our entire outdoor environment was destroyed. Our grounds were not insured, and we lost our outdoor play spaces, toys, gardens, fencing, play structures, and nearly all of our Waldorf-inspired materials.

My father and I have been clearing debris and repairing what we can, with the help of volunteers and our dedicated teacher, Ms. Lolli. I also became an IICRC-certified fire and smoke remediator to assist in the cleanup and restoration process.

Now we’ve reached the point where we can’t continue without community support. To reopen our magical space for children, we need help rebuilding what was lost.

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What We Need

    •    $25,000 now to rebuild our yard, outdoor play spaces, fencing, and natural play structures

    •    Another $25,000 over the year to rehire teachers, replace toys and materials, and fully restore our program

Under the Oaks is more than a school. It is a place where children feel safe, connected, and surrounded by nature. A place where families find community and where generations of Malibu history live on.

Every donation—big or small—helps us bring this space back for current and future Malibu families.

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How Funds Will Be Used

Rebuilding Outdoor Play Spaces

Replacing burned play structures, natural climbing areas, and imaginative outdoor environments.

Restoring Gardens & Outdoor Classrooms

Bringing back the creekside magic where children learn, explore, and connect with nature.

Fencing & Safety Repairs

Replacing damaged fencing and ensuring our grounds are safe and secure for children again.

Replacing Toys & Waldorf Materials

Rebuilding our collection of natural, high-quality toys and learning materials lost to smoke and fire.

‍ Teacher Support

Helping us rehire the educators who bring warmth, care, and continuity to our community.

❤️ Program Restoration

Rebuilding the nature-based, nurturing environment that makes Under the Oaks so special.

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Please Help Us Rebuild

If Under the Oaks has touched your family—or if you believe in protecting magical learning spaces for young children—please consider donating and sharing this page.

Every contribution brings us one step closer to welcoming children back under the oak trees.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Sunshine

Founder, Under the Oaks Early Childhood Center