More than a dozen Metairie Manor residents rolled up their sleeves for a good cause. The group gathered in the dining room at the York Street senior living facility to create bears. They have big plans to give the dozens of cuddly creatures away. 
Each creation is hand sewn and stuffed, and the outfits are also made by hand.
 “They are for any adult who has lost a loved one, facing a surgery or someone who’s facing a tough time”, said Frances Munaco, Metairie Manor Resident.
The philanthropic endeavor is the brainchild of a member of the Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club.
Meladie Munch, the Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club President, was on hand as busy bear builders were stuffing and sewing the more than dozen bears that will be distributed to worthy community members.
Ms. Munch said that she likes the idea of the bears because while the residents are helping people, the activity helps the participants as well.
The boy bears are called Sunny Bears while the girls are called Share Bears.
“We are going to have a bear population explosion,” said Mrs. Munaco after seeing how many people turned up to help.
The group started with just 3 or 4 people about a month ago, but has grown to more than a dozen. They are all Metairie Manor residents who wanted to give back.
The residents gather on Thursdays and Sundays. As for the future, the group has big plans for specialty bears for Saints football season.