Many kids today have never experienced an epidemic, let alone, a pandemic. Even for those who have, never have they experienced a pandemic like the C*********s. City- and state-wide lockdowns, requirements to wear a mask when walking into certain businesses, being forced to continue their education from the safety of their home, and regularly being reminded to wash their hands and stay six feet apart: all of this is new to children.
Being stuck at home is strange for children who normally would be spending 5 out of 7 days a week at school or at daycare. No more hanging out with friends? No more visiting the park or arcade? No more visits to the toy store? It’s a lot for most kids. But then 10-year-old Chelsea Phaire had an idea. She would be putting together art kits to send to bored, lonely children during the pandemic.
The Danbury, Connecticut resident ended up sending a massive 1,500 art kits to various children in need who are either in the foster care system or residing in a homeless shelter across 12 U.S. states. In the kits included items such as markers, colored pencils, crayons, gel pens, paper, and coloring books to help keep the kids busy during lockdown.
But this isn’t the first time Chelsea wanted to give back to those in need.
“Since she was seven, she was begging me and her dad to start a charity,” Chelsea’s mom, Candace Phaire, said.
But knowing how much responsibility and time starting and running a charity involves, Chelsea’s family didn’t want to jump into making Chelsea’s dream come true just yet. Then they realized how much it would mean to her.
“She was so persistent, every couple of months she would ask, ‘Are we starting Chelsea’s Charity yet?’ When she was turning 10, she asked us again, and we decided it was time to go for it.”
Then August of 2019 on her birthday, she officially launched Chelsea’s Charity.
“Chelsea’s Charity is a charitable organization devoted to providing art supplies and art lessons to children. Together, we can support children’s social-emotional and mental health development [through] art,” the charity’s website says.
One of many recipients of the art kits was James Storehouse. This non-profit supports youth in the foster care system from their infant years through their college years.
“It gives the children and teens a fun creative outlet to channel their energy because they can’t be in the classroom right now. Chelsea’s kits have been a blessing to many children in hard places and have brought them joy,” Executive Director of James Storehouse, Stacy DeWitt, said.
Chelsea’s kind, empathetic heart will guide her with whatever she wants to do in life! She’s not even a preteen yet, and she’s already doing great things.
Meet this sweet girl below.
