If there’s anything the world always needs more of, it’s kindness. And being kind doesn’t have anything to do with age because no matter how big or small, there are tons of ways to sprinkle kindness. And that’s exactly the lesson that Chelsea Phaire taught us.
Chelsea Phaire is a 10 year old girl from Danbury, Connecticut who sent out 1,500 art kits to cheer up the kids in homeless shelters and foster care. The art kits were intended to give these children something to do to lift their spirits and give them hope in these trying times.
The art kits included materials like coloring books, crayons, markers, and paper. They were given away to shelters as well as schools and foster homes across the country. This initiative is part of the organization that Chelsea and her parents founded, Chelsea’s Charity.
Chelsea’s mother shared with CNN how much Chelsea has always wanted to start her own charity.
“Since she was seven, she was begging me and her dad to start a charity,” Candace Phaire shared. “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.” she added.
So on her birthday in August 2019, instead of expecting gifts from friends and family, Chelsea requested art supplies such as crayons, paint, colored pencils, sketchbooks, and paintbrushes, among others.
They used the supplies to put together a total of 40 art kits that they delivered to homeless shelters around New York.
And that was the beginning. Chelsea decided to continue what she started and even shared her wish list on Amazon. She cited other supplies needed for the art kits and even used her tooth fairy money for the project. As soon as the pandemic hit, additional help came from friends and family which enabled them to assemble a total of 1,500 art kits. These kits were then delivered to shelters and foster care across the country.
Chelsea shared with Fox News how this act has made her happy, especially when she knows how she’s helped other kids. “It means a lot because of the coronavirus. It’s just really nice to know kids are helping kids during this really stressful time. It really makes me feel happy.”
She also explained why art matters a lot to her “Art is important to me because no matter how bad I’m feeling…my art supplies are always there for me…so no matter what happens, know that art is a start!”
Chelsea has always had her art to turn to when she feels down and needs to cope with her feelings and she hopes other children would find the same comfort in making art.
The situation we’re in is already difficult and it might even be worse for kids who are homeless. Through art therapy, the mental health of these kids is further supported so they can cope and adjust to today’s new reality.
For more positive news and inspiring stories, please visit Global Positive News Network.
