Being in the hospital during these challenging times can be a difficult experience to deal with – especially for young patients. For this reason, Chelsea Phaire, the 10-year-old founder of Chelsea’s Charity, decided to give the gift of art to patients at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
Chelsea’s Charity began in 2019 when Chelsea asked her birthday party guests to donate art supplies in lieu of gifts. With the donated supplies from her guests, Chelsea began creating art kits for varying age groups – each containing markers, crayons, colored pencils, paper and watercolors. With every kit and art supply donation, Chelsea aims to bring a smile to the children staying in homeless shelters, foster care homes and hospitals.
“Since she was very young, Chelsea has always wanted to help others,” says Candace Phaire, Chelsea’s mother. “She has always enjoyed creating art. When she realized there were children who lacked access to art supplies, Chelsea decided to create her own charitable organization to help children heal and express themselves through art.”
In July 2020, Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s, teamed up with Chelsea’s Charity to deliver art supplies to young patients in need of an uplifting activity.
“We truly believe that art is healing,” says Goshert. “Our patients often use art to express themselves or work through some of the feelings they have related to their disease or hospitalization. We are so grateful to Chelsea for recognizing the challenges that her peers may be facing, and for taking action to improve the lives of others.”
To date, Chelsea’s Charity has distributed thousands of art supplies and kits to help children draw, paint and create their own artwork. Chelsea hopes to continue inspiring other children throughout the U.S. and worldwide through art and creative expression.
