Local Girl Gives Back On Her 8th Birthday

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Mya Fox learned early in life that it's better to give than receive.

For her 8th birthday, she collected clothing for newborns at West Penn Hospital where her mother works as a nurse.

"I have a lot of nice toys, and a home and I have food. I want to give other kids something they don't have," said Mya.

Through her Facebook page, Mya's Mission, she collected more than 600 items of clothing.

"For starters, they don't really have lots of clothes. The parents need to get the clothes, and buy the clothes for them. So I was thinking everybody else should help me give clothes to the babies," Mya said.

For Mya, donating to infants in the neonatal intensive care unit is personal.

"When Mya was born, she was very sick and she was here in the NICU," said Tina Fox, Mya's mom. "And we've always been very open about it, and we've talked about it, and she just decided that she wants to do it for here."

Neonatal physician Dr. Alan Lantzy remembers the difficulties Mya faced when she was a patient. He says her contributions will ease the burden for parents with worries of their own.

"We were definitely in need and the parents will be so appreciative, and the amount she has will last a long time," said Dr. Lantzy. "So, thank you Mya."

Among the donations are shoes, clothes, pajamas, towels, bibs and socks.

And Mya says her mission is just getting started.

"I'll have many more to do," she said.

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