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Tiny Jewel Box Fêtes The Big 9-0 By Honoring Nine Heroes

Tiny Jewel Box. Image credit: Kate Michael

Washington, DC’s iconic Tiny Jewel Box is celebrating 90 years and honoring nine heroes.

The third-generation family-owned retailer decided that the best way to acknowledge ALL the ick of 2020 was to honor people who have “brought light to the community in the midst of so much darkness.” (Honor = a $1000 Tiny Jewel Box gift certificate!)

Tiny Jewel Box has a commitment to giving back to the community. For decades, the company has supported heroic local organizations that fight hunger and abuse, research to cure Parkinson’s and cancer, help seriously ill children, build better school facilities, and bring hope to those challenged by mental illness.

This year, they asked the public for short stories about the everyday front line heroes (healthcare, food service, transportation, education, or other essential fields) in their lives, then selected nine front-line heroes to be publicly honored and awarded that $1000 gift certificate.

The nine honorees include:
Alicia Horton – Executive Director at Thrive DC, recognized for serving the homeless and low-income families.

Alison Malmon – Founder of non-profit Active Minds, using her mental health expertise to advocate for students’ and young adults’ mental health by creating programs in colleges, universities, and high schools across the country.

Angelsia Lambert – Nurse Manager at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital who fearlessly ensures the safety of patients, staff, and visitors with a positive attitude every single day.

Ashley George – Trauma and Emergency Nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital who tirelessly delivers top-notch care to her patients without hesitation.

Chita Taylor – Nurse Manager at Neonatal ICU at George Washington University who passionately executes expert measures to wholeheartedly support her staff and the tiny humans they work to save every day.

D’Mario Hill – Volunteer Manager at Martha’s Table, recognized for selflessly organizing and implementing teams to provide access to education, health and wellness, and family resources to Washingtonians.

Jaunita Smith – Patient Intake worker at a local hospital who makes being on the front lines look easy, ensures that every patient is given the proper care in a timely manner.

Madhura Bhat – Founder of Swirl and Health For America, recognized for her efforts to feed the homeless and did not let a global pandemic stop her from doing so.

Ryane Nickens – Founder of The TraRon Center, a place of refuge for those affected by gun violence teaching healthy ways to deal with trauma including the creative arts.