Young Oceanside students’ bracelet sales support St. Jude’s

After two of their friends were hospitalized and treated well at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Caitlyn Cuccio and Josie Xavier said they wanted to give back. 

The girls, both 12 and going into sixth grade at School No. 2 in Oceanside this fall, decided to craft bracelets and sell them, donating a portion of the proceeds to the hospital. 

“We know two kids that went to St. Jude’s,” Caitlyn said, “and we want to give back for the amazing care that they gave to the kids.”

The girls said their parents were helping them on the business side, but their goal has been mostly to go it alone as a sales team. They have set up sidewalk stands and also plan to put their creations on Etsy and Instagram to help spread awareness and raise more money for the hospital. Their goal, they added, was to donate at least $1,000 per month to St. Jude’s. The girls also use one another’s houses as pickup points for the items. 

Caitlyn’s mother, Ellen Cuccio, said she was proud of the girls for wanting to give back.

“I just love it,” she said. “It’s great seeing Caitlyn and Josie be so creative, between both their jewelry and the whole business, and to be so thoughtful to want to make people happy and give back. They are two thoughtful kids. We are so proud of them.”

In addition to supporting the hospital, the girls said they also hoped to provide a good product for those in need of a pick-me-up during the pandemic. 

“During the coronavirus, we thought of this idea because we think it would make people happier,” Josie explained, “because they are getting out of the house and getting the jewelry we make, or a custom design.”

Between donating to the hospital, showing business savvy at a young age and helping people cope during a global pandemic, Ellen said she was impressed with the girls. “They are two thoughtful kids,” she said. “We are so proud of them.”