Julye Keeble
Staff writer
Stuck at home due to the pandemic, 7-year-old Millie Downing of Uvalde was trying to think of a way to cure COVID-19. Though she hasn’t accomplished that lofty goal – yet – she did conceive of and carry out an ongoing fundraising effort to help Uvalde Memorial Hospital purchase coronavirus testing kits.
On Thursday morning, Millie donated $362 to Uvalde Health Authority official Dr. Jared Reading to purchase approximately 33 COVID-19 test kits. Reading expressed the hospital’s gratitude for her efforts and spent some time talking to her about the virus.
She intended to stop her fundraising efforts there, but after telling her mother, “I’m so sad my business is over,” they decided to resume production, and the young entrepreneur sold 18 items that same day.
Nicknamed “Millie Bug,” the young lady crafts “Buggie’s Bracelets” and sells them for about $3 each, first using materials from a kit she had on hand, then purchasing supplies from a local craft store. She strings the beads while fending off her two younger brothers, and her mother ties off the knots for her.
The daughter of Laura and Charlie Downing, she attends Anthon Elementary School, though she was stuck at home after the school district closed the campus.
“I wish I could come up with a cure for coronavirus so I could play with my friends again,” Millie said to her mother. Frustrated by circumstances beyond her control, and with energy to spare, the young girl just wanted to find a way to occupy her time and help others. The idea of fundraising through bracelets began when her aunt sent the family some bracelets from Austin that a young friend named Eliza was making.
Intrigued by the idea, Millie began making bracelets herself, with the goal of making and selling 20 to family and friends. She has now sold approximately 85, and says making bracelets is fun.
Speaking over the phone Friday morning, she said she enjoyed the creative effort, and she is willing to customize orders. Her business is going strong, and she shipped her first out-of-area order last week.
Her other hobbies include gymnastics and ballet, and she is an avid reader. Upon hearing that her photo might be in the newspaper, she seemed surprised.
“Just over a little bead business?” she asked.
Because, after all, she is 7 and making the bracelets, even with her brothers cramping her style, is just pure fun for Millie.
jkeeble@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335
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