CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Sheila Barto from Sheila's Jewelry Store in Hughesville is wearing one of the three necklaces now available at her shop on Main Street. These faux silver dollars are considered pieces of local history and were made in the late 1880's. Proceeds will benefit local charities.

HUGHESVILLE – Shoppers opting to buy locally have an opportunity to make one purchase that multiplies the local aspect by five times.

Three pieces of jewelry, each one of a kind, are offered at Sheila’s Jewelry Store on Main Street in Hughesville.

The unique items are local loot, by a local donor, crafted by a local artist, sold in a local shop, with 100 percent of the money going to two local charities.

In past years, Shelia sold decorated ornaments identified as Charity Balls. Previous sales provided food store gift cards given to three organizations who distributed them to families in need.

The 2016 charity fundraiser was suggested last spring when a contractor unearthed a cache of silver dollars while digging to pour a footer for a building on South Main Street.

Although two dealers determined the coins not to be of silver, the counterfeit late 1880’s replicas have a local history. And so, the coins were given to Sheila who contacted jewelry maker Melanie Ellis of Huntersville. Using sterling silver, Ellis surrounded the coins in a mounting and crafted accompanying embellishments.

The coin necklaces are currently on display at Sheila’s, so whether a serious buyer or inquisitive browser, all are welcome to get a glance of these pieces of local history.

Selected by the shopkeeper and coin donor to receive equal shares are the Son Light House of Muncy and the Sullivan County Victims Center at LaPorte.