A Lancaster hometown project
Ongoing
Description: The work we have done in New York City and Philadelphia has made us aware of the homelessness right in our own community.
Objective: In this project, Mychal’s Message will use the money raised from local fundraisers (lemonade stands, concession stands, etc.) to bring special meals to our local shelters.
On May 11, Father Mychal’s birthday, we held our first concession stand at a local elementary school play, where we raised $60. That money will be used to bring a McDonald’s Night to Crispus Attucks Shelter in Lancaster, PA. We hope it is the first of many.
How You Can Help: Since this is a local project, we simply ask for your prayers. If you would like to hold a concession stand in your town, please contact us for details.
Results to Date:
February 14, 2009 – Domestic Abuse Shelter, Lancaster, PA. Wrapped gifts of candy, hair accessories and personal care items were given to the Domestic Abuse Shelter as Valentine’s Day gifts for the residents who live there.
January, 2009 – Catholic Worker House, Lancaster, PA. Dozens of men’s and women’s winter coats were provided to Catholic Worker House for distribution to homeless men and women during their week long overnight shelter program.
December 25, 2008 – Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. Residents were treated to muffins, donuts, milk and orange juice on Christmas morning, along with gifts and toys for the children and individually wrapped gifts for the men and women.
December 24, 2008 – The Vineyard, Lancaster, PA. Christmas stockings filled with personal toiletries, socks and gloves were given to the residents at the Vineyard in Lancaster. Several residents who were without a coat also received a warm new winter coat.
October, 2008 – Hands on House, Lancaster, PA. Mychal’s Message provided a day of fun for 100 kindergartners at one of the poorest schools in Lancaster City. Students were transported by bus to the Hands on House Museum in Lancaster where they spent the morning learning, playing and simply having fun.
September, 2008 – Homeless Student Project, Lancaster, PA. Dozens of children’s and teen’s winter coats were provided to the Lancaster Homeless Student Project for distribution to students registered in their program.
December 25, 2007 – Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. Residents were treated to muffins, donuts, milk and orange juice on Christmas morning, along with gifts and toys for the children, and candy bars and McDonald’s gift certificates for the adults.
May 1, 2007 – Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. Residents at the shelter were treated to sausage and meatball sandwiches, candy bars, cookies and muffins.
December 25, 2006 – Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. Residents were treated to muffins, donuts, milk and orange juice on Christmas morning, along with gifts and toys for the children as well as gifts for the adults.
December 25, 2005, Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. At 7:00 a.m. on Christmas morning, $200 worth of new children’s clothing and $350 worth of wrapped Christmas toys were delivered along with 40 $5 McDonald’s Gift Certificates and candy bars to shelter residents for Christmas. 4 dozen donuts, 1 dozen muffins and orange juice was also delivered for breakfast on Christmas morning. “Clarise,” a mom of 4 children explained how she lost her apartment the day before due to a fire. She had no money and nowhere to go. It was difficult explaining to her 8 and 10 year old sons that they would be in a shelter for Christmas We told her that Santa didn’t forget those children, and God certainly hadn’t forgotten her. The boys received remote control cars and a game and her 2 small daughters received dolls in strollers. Through the generosity of Mikie Madden’s mother (“Mikie’s Gift,” December 2004), Clarise also received a $100 Walmart gift card. “Without Mychal’s Message,“ a resident told us, “those children would have had nothing to open on Christmas morning.“ Two other children at the shelter received gifts as well.
December 14, 2005, Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. A Pizza night was held through the generosity of funds raised by the 8th Grade Class of St. Leo the Great, Lancaster, PA. Approximately 35 men, women and children enjoyed pepperoni and cheese pizzas, soda, homemade cookies and candy canes. And blonde-haired, fair skinned 18 month old “Hailley” was all smiles as she enjoyed her cheese pizza and candy cane that night.
August 2, 2005, Crispus Attucks, Lancaster, PA. A McDonald’s night was held where approximately 50 men, women and children all enjoyed Big Macs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, McChicken sandwiches, French fries, salads, and even McDonald’s cookies. Everyone was grateful, and one guest told us, “It is so nice to feel full.” A little girl called “Peaches” was celebrating her 2nd birthday that night, and we were especially grateful to be a small part of it.
Mychal's Message 