Carson City jeweler giving away necklaces to those who've hit hard times

Dawn Smith hopes her act of kindness as a business owner will inspire others to take similar action.

Today and Saturday, or as long as the supply lasts, Smith, owner of Capital Jewelers, will give away a sterling silver heart necklace to anyone who can show they've recently lost their job or home.

"I want to show people there's some hope out there," Smith said. "The idea came from the Independent Jewelers Organization I belong to.

"A few of us (jewelry store owners) jumped on the idea. I'm the only one in Carson City. Maybe a florist could give away daisies."

Smith said she's had a fortunate year and her son, John Lindstrom, a specialist with the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Irwin, Calif., will be home today to visit her for the weekend.

"My son got to come home from Iraq," she said. "He's a Blackhawk (helicopter) crew chief."

The sterling silver heart is placed on a satin cord in a white box.

To receive the necklace, "They need to bring in an unemployment pay stub, a mortgage notice " something like that," Smith said. "I'll give them out as long as they last. I only have 100."

Capital Jewelers, 808 N. Curry St., is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For information, call 883-9566.

Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.