7th Grade Entrepreneur Starts Business to Benefit Hockey Program for Children with Disabilities

FAR HILLS, NJ – Far Hills Country Day School (FHCDS) 7th grader James “Bucky” Bucknam turns his skills into donations. He recently taught himself to knit and has been knitting hats of all designs and colors (he takes custom orders), calling them "Bucky's Beanies." For each hat sold, he donates all of the proceeds to the NJ Dare Devils, a hockey team for children with special needs where he volunteers each Saturday.  A former hockey player, James’ career was cut short after suffering two concussions in less than a year.  In lieu of playing, James’ love of ice hockey brought him to the NJ Dare Devils where he is now in his second year as a Junior Coach.

His ‘Hats for Hockey’ business has been so successful via Instagram that he is now enlisting the help of fellow FHCDS 7th graders to help knit, market, and manage the ever-growing requests. It takes about two and a half hours to knit a beanie, depending on its size, and Bucky likes to listen to classical music as he knits, “I find it relaxing,” he comments.  When asked why he decided to donate money to the NJ Dare Devils, he replied, “The kids have disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down’s syndrome. Some don’t speak, and some can’t move. I wanted to do a little more than just volunteer my time.”  James’ dedication and commitment together with his initiative to create and sell clothing to benefit the NJ Dare Devils is both exceptional and inspiring.  James’ good citizenship and humanitarianism at such a young age demonstrates strong leadership, creativity and resilience.  

On February 1, 2014, James donated all proceeds from the sales of Bucky's Beanies - $1,000 so far - to the NJ Dare Devils. Beanies are $19 for in-stock items and $20 for custom orders. To order, contact Bucky at buckysbeanies@gmail.com or comment on his Instagram @buckysbeanies.