More than 400 diners gathered at Hearts & Hammers’ annual spaghetti dinner benefit on Feb. 11, crowding the Langley United Methodist hall with an warm-hearted crowd. 

The annual fundraiser and volunteer kickoff earned $4,100 for the group through dinner, donations and clothing sales.

A delightful addition this year were the volunteers from the Langley Middle School Builders Club, who effectively and enthusiastically bussed the tables and helped keep the flow of the evening seamless. 

Entertainment was donated by violinist Talia Marcus, who delighted diners with table-to-table special requests, accompanied by her happy dancing feet.

More than 100 folks signed up to volunteer for the annual workday, where home repairs are offered at no cost across South Whidbey for those physically or financially unable to do the needed work alone.

This year, more than 70 homeowners have applied for help for the Saturday, May 7 workday, and Hearts & Hammers said it’s the largest number of requests received in recent years.

Organizers of the work day said more volunteers are now needed, and helpers are encouraged to sign up online at www.heartsandhammers.com before March 31. 

Sign-up sheets are also available at lumber yards, coffee houses, libraries and other locations from Clinton to Greenbank.

Forms and donations can be mailed to Hearts & Hammers, PO Box 694, Langley, WA 98260.