“Neighbors helping neighbors on Whidbey Island.” If that sounds familiar, it should. It’s the slogan of Hearts & Hammers, a community-driven organization that’s been helping South End homeowners in need for more than 20 years.
It’s also one heck of a drumbeat. In our book, not much rings more true, is more representative of small-town life than one neighbor’s willingness — no, their desire — to look after one another in a time of need and ask for nothing in return.
Hearts & Hammers has been rocking this concept with its annual work day since 1994 — helping more than 500 homeowners in the first two decades alone — and it’s about to do it again next weekend. The event is held every year on the first Saturday of May.
Made up entirely of volunteers and the brainchild of Lynn Willeford — whose many contributions over the years have undoubtedly made her one of South Whidbey’s finest residents — the non-profit group exists to help repair and rehabilitate the homes of those who are physically or financially unable to do the work alone. With donations from a host of groups, businesses and individuals, the labor and materials are provided free of charge.
The work itself is accomplished by a small army of do-gooders, from skilled professionals to those who have never swung a hammer in their lives. Their common bond is that they come together to give their time, their skill and their love, all for free, to those in need. The embodiment of neighborliness, it’s modern day barn raising and it’s right here on South Whidbey.
Organizers are expecting about 300 to show up next weekend; past years have seen turnouts as high as 450. Luckily, there’s still time to swell the 2015 volunteer count. All that’s required is a willingness to serve, and wake up a bit earlier than usual on a Saturday morning.
This year’s work day begins at 7:45 a.m. May 2, at South Whidbey High School, 5675 Maxwelton Road. Teams will meet with house captains and share breakfast snacks before heading out to work on more than 30 homes, from Clinton to Greenbank.
Volunteers are reminded to bring safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, protective shoes, a lunch and any tools the house captains have requested. Youngsters ages 12 to 15 are welcome to work with their parents with a medical release form; 16 to 17-year-olds can work without parents but must have a medical release and parental permission form. Go to www.heartsandhammers.com to obtain a form to bring to your house captain.
The day will wrap up with a reconvening of volunteers and homeowners at the high school for a fine meal and good times. The Record plans to be there, and we hope to see you there as well.
