Allison Walker, Generation to Generation

A group of seniors has found a way to lift the spirits of children who are struggling to stay alive.

As News 13's Allison Walker explains, the ladies at Lakeview Terrace are turning their hobby into philanthropy and won't stop any time soon.

"They cuddle up with them and hopefully enjoy having them, because we enjoy making them," said Ethel Cornell, who stuffs bears for kids.

On the day News 13 visited, the ladies had built enough bears to fill up an entire table, but overall they have made 25 times that number for kids at Camp Boggy Creek.

But bears aren't the only thing they make.

From blankets to quilts, kids at the camp -- a year-round camp in Eustis for seriously ill children -- are welcomed with a handmade gift.

Sylvia Davis delivers the crafts about once a month.

"When the kids come in for the weekend, these bears are already on the bed," Davis said. "These kids often have to go to the hospital and they take the bears with them."

Cathy Anderson had come up with the idea.

"I had a lot of this material and didn't know quite what I was going to do with it," Anderson said.

To date, Anderson's team of friends has made more than 500 bears and dozens of blankets.

Cornell said it can take about three weeks to make one quilt, but with all the time they spent together, they say it never feels like work.

"We do a little gossiping too," Anderson said.

To donate needed materials, such as fabric, stuff, wood, and more, or to donate money to the club at Lakeview Terrace, call Chris Hammond at (352) 669-2133.

To learn more about Camp Boggy Creek, go to their Web site at www.boggycreek.org

 
To see more Generation to Generation stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

 
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