Hearts and Hammers is the perfect name for this group. Every year, on the first Saturday in May, hundreds of volunteers spread out across Whidbey Island to repair homes for those who need a hand.
If you can’t physically do home repairs, or you can’t afford to keep up your place, they can help.
Hearts &Hammers of South Whidbey Island offers an annual one-day repair blitz. It began in 1994, the idea of Lynn Williford of Langley. She wanted to help needy folks stay in their homes.
It’s grown into an independent, nonprofit program supported by churches, schools, service and community organizations, businesses and neighbors.
Lorinda Kay has served on the board for four years.
“I was helped by Hearts and Hammers at my home, and have been a volunteer since then,” she said. “I’ve seen both sides of the organization, and find it one of the best in spirit and commitment around.”
The group does whatever repairs and renovations are possible during the one-day blitz, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, plastering, weatherization, heavy cleaning, roofing, yard cleanup and trash removal.
There is no charge to homeowners for labor or materials. Costs are covered by grants and donations.
For more information, go to heartsandhammers.com.
President Rob Hetler said they’ve selected about 40 projects to do this year. They get suggestions from pastors, senior services, home health care workers, medical folks, relatives, neighbors and community organizations. Work assessment teams check out ideas around Clinton, Langley, Freeland and Greenbank, Hetler said, to match needs and projects within financial and time constraints.
Volunteers as young as 12 may work with their parents; those 16 and 17 may work with written permission from their parents. On May 2, everyone will gather for the annual group picture before spreading out to get busy.
“The day is fulfilling and fun,” Kay said. “People meet new people, work hard, socialize and accomplish an amazing amount of work.”
During the year the group also makes emergency repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet, the president said.
A new chapter is forming in Coupeville. Hetler said volunteers are needed who have many skills, who can sweep floors, build houses or fix roofs. He is a cabinet and furniture maker.
“My talent is organizing,” Hetler said. “What we’re after is building community. That is equally important as getting projects done.”
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
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