| Joshua O'Connell is just 12 years old, yet he has the determination far beyond his years to help others in need. Joshua, a student at Van Wyck Junior High School, began a gumball machine business when he wanted to find a way to help raise money for the Autism Walk Hudson Valley. He talked to his parents, Judy and Jim O'Connell, and they came up with the idea. He got gumball machines as a Hanukkah gift this past December, and he has been working ever since. First, he has to get businesses to sign a contract that says he can put the machine in their store. Then, Josh and his dad bring the machine into the store, and fill it with the candy the store owner picks (m&ms, Mike & Ikes, or Hot Tamales, to name a few options). In about one month, they return to empty the machine and refill the candy. Joshua must count all the quarters, wrap them, and take them to the bank. Each store gets a portion of the money, some of the money is used to refill the machines, and 20 percent is donated to the Hudson Valley Autism Society. |
