This December, we are fortunate to have been selected by local web design agency Coast, to be the beneficiary (on behalf of the young people in the Coffs area we work with) of their Creative Coffs Christmas Gift Drive. The mission of the drive? To spread the magic of creativity by supplying vulnerable children and teens in Coffs Harbour with art supplies that inspire imagination, growth, and expression.
Coast agency staff are passionate about nurturing creativity. They know how much art can shape lives, offering both therapeutic benefits and an outlet for personal expression. This Christmas season, Coast is calling on clients, local creatives, and the wider community to join them in bringing the joy of creativity to those who need it most. Coast will match the gifts donated, so for every gift received, another gift will be added.
Why art supplies?
For young people, especially those facing hardships, art supplies are more than just materials – they’re a pathway to self-expression, healing, and growth. Whether it’s a blank canvas that invites new ideas, a sketchbook that captures dreams, or vibrant paints that bring imagination to life, the gift of art supplies is the gift of possibility.
The act of creating can be a powerful form of therapy, allowing kids and teens to process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in their unique talents. For many, it can even ignite a lifelong passion for creativity that leads to exciting career opportunities in the arts.
A gift with impact
This year, as part of the Creative Coffs Christmas initiative, Coast is calling on the community to donate art materials such as sketchbooks, paints, brushes, pencils, graphic pens, posca pens, and other creative supplies.
With these simple gifts, Coast aims to brighten the holidays for local youth who may not otherwise have access to these resources. The hope is to inspire a generation of young creatives to explore their artistic potential and pursue their dreams.
The team at Coast is dedicated to giving back to the community and has long supported young people by offering work experience placements and participating in local school career days. By providing local students with real-world insights into the creative industry, they hope to open doors and encourage them to see the possibilities of a creative career.
How you can help
We invite you to donate to the Creative Coffs Christmas Gift Drive. It’s easy to get involved:
- Drop off donations: Bring art supplies to the Coast studio at 2/11 Murdock Street, Coffs Harbour (near Coffs Central). Donations will be accepted Monday to Friday until Tuesday, 17 December. Please contact Jena at Coast directly if you’d like to make an after-hours drop-off.
- What to donate:
- Creative arts gifts for children aged 2-5, 12-16 and 17-24
- New and unused art supplies such as:
- Sketchbooks
- Journals
- Paints
- Oil pastels
- Brushes
- Pencils, pens, Posca pens
- Modelling clay
- Canvas
- Easels
- Make a virtual donation: If you can’t donate physical items, you can make a monetary donation to help us purchase supplies on your behalf. Donate via the Coast website here.
Coast has partnered with Groundworks Youth & Family Hub to ensure all donations are distributed to local children and teens, making their holiday season brighter and more colourful.