"It’s doing way better," exclaimed Jason O’Neill, the 10-year-old boy who invented the colorful Pencil Bugs (featured in the April 21 issue of the Valley News).

In recent months, O’Neill’s Web site has included online ordering for t-shirts and bookmarks in addition to the Pencil Bugs, and he has given speeches to different organizations, started work on a prototype of a stuffed animal version of his colorful creatures and has made several donations to HUGS Foster Family Agency.

O’Neill pledged to donate five percent of his sales to the nonprofit, which focuses on providing secure and stable homes to foster children. "[We] specialize in medically fragile children," said Director Dorene Kennedy. Donations made go straight to the kids, not for funding staff, assured Kennedy, which is one of the reasons O’Neill likes them so much.

"He is just an example-setter [and is] so motivated and focused and cares so much about the kids," said Kennedy when asked about O’Neill. When he comes in "he doesn’t talk about himself, but wants to know about the kids."

Apparently, he has made a huge impression Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] on the organization, which will be sponsoring him to play in their third Annual Golf Classic this Sunday at Temeku Hill Golf Club.

"I’m going to like it because I like meeting adults," speculated O’Neill. "What’s there to lose? There’s no downside; I get better at my golf game."

The funds raised from the tournament will be used for a Christmas party. O’Neill has bigger dreams for the group. He is hoping to gather a group of people to donate their time and resources to extend HUGS’ visiting room for parents to meet up with their children.

"It’s like a small walk-in closet," said O’Neill. He cites the popular TV show "Extreme Home: Makeover Home Edition" as an example as to why he thinks it’s a possibility.

Kennedy is impressed: "Jason helps us so much. He’s a great kid!"

For more information on Pencil Bugs, visit www.pencilbugs.com. For information on HUGS, visit www.hugsffa.org. Golfers interested in participating in the tournament can sign up prior to the event or on the morning of, which has a 9 a.m. shot-gun start.