Every Garment Has a Story: The Community Behind Zip With Us® Apparel

At Zip With Us®, every adapted garment tells a story — not just of comfort and dignity in the hospital, but of the community that made it possible.

Across the country, schools, businesses, specialty groups, and families come together to host clothing drives for Zip With Us®. They collect new t-shirts & cozy onesies — knowing that these items will be transformed into something far greater: a garment that helps a child function safely, remain clothed, and helps them feel like themselves again during medical treatment.

More Than a Donation — It’s a Connection.

When a family donates a shirt or onesie to Zip With Us®, it doesn’t just become adapted medical apparel — it becomes a symbol of connection and care. It’s easy to feel helpless when thinking about children in the hospital — but hosting a clothing drive gives people a tangible way to help.

And for the patients who receive these garments, knowing that their shirt came from a community drive — from someone who wanted them to feel seen and supported — can mean everything.

"It makes me feel like someone out there cares about me — even if they don’t know me."
— Teen patient, receiving a ZipShirt™

Bringing Dignity + Comfort Through Community.

Every ZipShirt™ or Drew’s Cruiser™ created from a clothing drive item carries with it more than fabric — it carries a story of kindness.

• A sports team donates shirts so young athletes in treatment can wear something familiar.

• A school holds a drive so kids in the hospital still feel part of something.

• A family donates in honor of a loved one who fought bravely.

These acts remind patients that they aren’t alone — that beyond their hospital walls, a whole community understands some of their hardships, and stands with them to make a meaningful difference.

How to Get Involved.

Hosting a clothing drive is one of the easiest and most significant ways to support Zip With Us®. It’s simple, personal, and impactful — for both the donor and the recipient.

Ready to get started? Contact us at info@zipwithus.org for a Drive Toolkit to organize your own drive at school, work, or in your neighborhood.