One Bear at a Time

Comfort, Care, and Solidarity at the ICE Gates

With recent changes in federal immigration policies, many families across the nation face new challenges. For some concerned citizens, it sparked a desire to lend a hand. Among them is Danno McDonald.

Recently retired from AT&T, McDonald found himself at home during the COVID-19 pandemic looking for a new skill. He chose sewing. What began with making masks soon became teddy bears for his neighbors’ daughters. When he saw the struggles faced by immigrant families—especially children—he knew how he could contribute. A small, personal project quickly grew into a group of about 50 volunteers dedicated to making a difference, one bear at a time.

Originally intended as a gift for twin toddlers, McDonald refined his process through trial and error. “The ones I was initially making were quite large,” he recalls. “They took up a lot of material.” After experimenting with different designs and fabrics, he settled on heavier materials like flannel and thick fleece for durability and comfort.

Efficiency became key as the group expanded. Early bears had embroidered faces, but this took too long—up to 10 minutes per bear. “We got a little experimental,” McDonald laughs. Volunteers began painting faces with fabric markers and fabric paint, later exploring vinyl heat pressing and infusible inks. Today, a bear can be completed in 30–45 minutes without losing its personal touch.

The care put into each bear is felt far beyond the sewing table. As volunteer Crystal explains:

It’s extra meaningful that they are made by hand and each is unique. Each snip and stitch contains a bit of love and support.”

Inspired by a quilt McDonald made from his mother’s clothing, the group also began creating memory bears—stuffed animals crafted with materials that are personal to each family. A separate team sews fabric hearts onto the bears, adding another layer of love and care.

At the heart of this effort are the children. Many face upheaval, fear, and separation from their families. “They’re innocent…they’re scared,” McDonald says. “It just feels like such an immediate and important need.” For the volunteers who distribute the bears at the ICE field office, the impact is immediate and profound. As Cindy, a Casa Alterna volunteer, puts it simply:

The bears help children be children.”

That small moment of comfort often transforms the entire interaction at the gates. Mike, another volunteer, reflects, “I may not speak their language, but the bear speaks volumes.” The bears help children relax—and parents too—signaling that Casa Alterna is there to offer support, presence, and care.

Today, the project spans across states. From Atlanta to Michigan to Florida, volunteer bear-makers who have never met in person are united by one shared goal: to let children know they are not alone. Together, they have produced over 700 bears, with no end in sight. Every bear represents a small act of love crossing borders. Families meet these moments with remarkable strength, and the bears are a small way of honoring that resilience.

Bring Comfort to a Child – Get Involved

You can help make a difference. Casa Alterna’s teddy bear project currently needs fleece fabric and poly-fil stuffing, and volunteers are always welcome to join the effort. Each bear brings comfort, care, and a reminder to children that they are not alone.

To help or get involved, email Danno at dannomac99@gmail.com.

written by Jairo Flores