T-shirt collection for charity underway at Fox Chapel Area High School

Fox Chapel Area High School students are collecting T-shirts for a nonprofit that creates port-accessible garments for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Shirts of all sizes can be dropped off throughout the month at 611 Field Club Road.

The collection drive is sponsored by the Fox Leadership Council junior class in partnership with Zip With Us.

The garments are made special so pediatric patients with a port, central line or other medical access point don’t have to take their clothes off to receive treatments.

Most requested designs include dinosaurs, trucks/cars, superheroes, Mario, Fortnite, sports, gaming, Disney characters, hearts, unicorns, Bluey, flowers, Barbie, rainbows, Paw Patrol, animals and CoComelon.

Junior Ridglee Boychuk feels a personal connection the project.

“My grandmother fought a long battle to pancreatic cancer, and I remember the stressful process she endured to have her port accessible,” Boychuk said. “Zip With Us is doing phenomenal things, creating a more convenient and pain-free way of accessing the port for cancer patients. Hospitals across the country are in high demand for more shirts and are very appreciative of any contributions that you may be able to donate.”

Junior Natalie Patel hopes the school’s efforts help to raise awareness of the program and how it helps people.

“I have decided to participate in the Zip With Us program to help bring support and educate others about cancer and life-threatening diseases,” Patel said. “I previously was a candidate under the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which opened my view to those battling these hardships, especially kids. Through the Zip With Us program, Fox Chapel contributed to improving the treatment experience for patients, raising research funds and increasing awareness.”

There is an Amazon wish list for people who want to buy shirts and have them sent directly to Zip With Us instead of making the trek to the school.

Class sponsor Krista Matonak said either means of donation is graciously accepted.

“I adore this charity, as my nephew battled liver cancer at age 2 and did not have the ease of port access like these shirts provide,” Matonak said.

“This would have made his traumatic experience a little less uncomfortable — and a little bit personalized — with the character and sport shirts on the list. Zip With Us has expressed sincere gratitude for our district’s heart to help their cause. They will be able to support more hospital requests nationwide with our donations.”

More information about the T-shirt drive is available under “News & Events” on the high school’s website at fcahs.fcasd.edu.

For details about the nonprofit, visit zipwithus.org.