"Blessed Bloomers” given away on 9/11 anniversary

FDNY Chaplain remembered in charity’s annual collection for the homeless as 7,000 underwear and socks are distributed to homeless

By Kelly Lynch

LANCASTER, Pa. – September 12, 2006 – Over 7,000 new underwear and socks were collected by members of Mychal’s Message in its fifth annual underwear collection for the homeless. 

Mychal’s Message was founded in January 2002 when 11 year old Shannon Hickey was marking the anniversary of her liver transplant.  Every year she celebrated her anniversary with a party, presents and cake.  The year after September 11, 2001, Shannon was mourning the loss of close family friend, FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge, who was killed during the terrorist attacks, and she decided to mark the anniversary in a more meaningful way.  In lieu of gifts, she asked for socks for the homeless.  “I’ll give them away in memory of Father Mychal,” she told her family.  “We’ll celebrate my life by remembering his.” 

Shannon has not only enjoyed good health in the five years since losing beloved friend Mychal Judge, but she has succeeded in collecting over 100,000 new items for the homeless in his memory.  In September 2004, she was recognized by President George W. Bush when she met him in Willow Grove, Pa.  “Shannon is a soldier in the army of compassion,” he told his guests that day.

At 7:00 Monday morning, over 200 homeless men and women arrived at the St. Francis of Assisi Breadline in New York City for sandwiches and coffee.  The Breadline has been feeding the homeless since 1929.  On Monday, Shannon along with her family and friends, greeted them with packages of “Blessed Bloomers,” fresh bananas and granola bars.  “You made a difference today,” one man told Shannon, as he walked back into the streets carrying his package of “Blessed Bloomers” over his shoulder.