Save a Tear project aims to save lives with jewelry

LINCOLN — Following a car accident a decade ago, Scott Hampel was inspired to create jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, key chains and dog tags. He called the effort the Save a Tear Project; it aims to help people retain hope during what seems to be hopeless times. The items include engravings of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number or sayings like “One More Day” and “You Are Loved.” However, the COVID-19 pandemic has “devastated” his efforts to create them, according to a Facebook post. Hampel started a GoFundMe to help raise money to make more jewelry and has so far raised $290 of a $1,500 goal. “Right now with this virus ravaging people’s daily lives, they are losing hope,” the GoFundMe reads. An update on the fundraiser page pledged to donate some of them to hospital frontline workers who may be struggling with mental health. Learn more at facebook.com/Saveatearproject or visit the GoFundMe at gf.me/u/yugd3j.