Chelsea’s Charity Helps Kids Heal Through Art

Chelsea Phaire founded her own nonprofit at the age of 10 to provide art supplies to children in need.

From a young age, Chelsea Phaire understood the healing power of art. She is the founder of Chelsea’s Charity, a nonprofit organization that provides art kits to children in need.

I recently spoke with the 14-year-old from Danbury, Connecticut, about her dedication to helping others. After watching her parents give back to the community, Chelsea wanted to do her part, too. For her 10th birthday party, she asked guests to bring art supplies instead of presents. From those supplies, she was able to assemble 40 art kits for children at a local homeless shelter. 

“The outpouring of positivity was just so grand,” Chelsea recalled during our video interview. “The kids were so happy.” 

Why did Chelsea choose art supplies? She explained her thinking to a news reporter in Connecticut. When Chelsea was five years old, her grandfather died. At the suggestion of her grandmother, she made a drawing that expressed her feelings. “I put it in his pocket at the funeral,” Chelsea told the reporter. “That kind of provided closure for me and made me feel a lot better. I realized every kid should have access to this.”

After Chelsea set up her organization, she began to accept donations. She has since distributed thousands of art kits to children across the country and around the world. Whether it’s through mailing the kits, personally delivering them, or setting up art cabinets in local communities, Chelsea ensures that children have access to the tools of creativity. The art cabinets allow individuals to donate and take supplies freely. 

Thanks to Chelsea’s Charity, thousands of children can express themselves through art.  

“ART IS YOUR OWN”

Chelsea now has plans to broaden her mission. “I really want to get more into art therapy,” she said. “I want to show kids how to use the art kits as a coping mechanism to help them heal.” Art therapists can help the children better express their emotions and feelings through creativity.

At the moment, Chelsea offers art lessons tailored to the needs and interests of the children she serves. She encourages kids to explore their imaginations and find joy through art, whether it’s by creating characters or drawing beloved pets. She does all of this without judgment. 

“Art is your own,” Chelsea said. “There’s no such thing as bad art.” 

It’s clear that in addition to art, Chelsea finds joy just in giving. She hopes to be able to provide more art cabinets in the future. To her, art is not just colors on a canvas—it offers a path to empowerment, healing, and hope.