 Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Shearer and her daughter worked to deliver supplies to firefighters and other personnel at the site of the destroyed World Trade Center in Manhattan.After being disappointed with her attempts to donate through official channels, she began distributing supplies directly to emergency workers; donated items included gloves, face masks, hard hats, T-shirts, underwear, pants, jackets, and tools.Shearer later told "The Washington Post" that she had borrowed $1 million to finance her efforts, repaying the debt after the crisis with the help of money donated from foundations and individuals.