Jason O’Neil is an entrepreneur and a social activist–and he is only in the eight grade. At 14 years old, he uses his creativity and business skills to run a business and create ways to give back to the community.  

Jason considers himself lucky that he has never been sick like many kids he meets. In 2008 he started a program with Rady Hospital in San Diego. Each quarter he raises money to give the children things they will enjoy, like crayons, notebooks, books or games.

Just this past This past Christmas Jason had a goal of giving away 250 bears to kids at the Rady Hospital. He used his fundraising skills and reached out to the people in his community and through his hard work and generous donations; Jason was able to give away 1800 Teddy Bears, way over his goal of 250. He made many seriously ill kids very happy this past holiday season.

The amazing thing is Jason has been doing this for years. He started his business in 2005 when he was nine years old taking his love of school and coming up with a way to make it fun for other kids.

He created Pencil Bugs, uniquely hand-crafted creatures that sit on the end of your pencils or crayons, markers or pens. He makes each Pencil Bug special with its own Certificate of Authenticity with its name, birth date and care instructions. According to his website, “They already know three tricks:  sit, stand, and stay.”

Jason has lots of ideas to improve his business. He gives back in other ways by visiting schools and teaching other kids to be entrepreneurs and continuing to run fundraisers to support those in need. He also inspires people with creativity and ingenuity.

“If you have an idea to make something, at least give it a try.  You might be surprised at what you can do!”

Check out what he is doing for the Rady Hospital in San Diego.