Hearts & Hammers is coming to Central Whidbey this spring.

A non-profit South Whidbey organization since 1994, Hearts & Hammers has helped repair and rehabilitate hundreds of owner-occupied homes for families physically or financially unable to do the work themselves.

The new Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers, being organized by a group of Coupeville area residents under the sponsorship of the South Whidbey group, will allow homeowners within Coupeville School

District boundaries to apply for similar home maintenance assistance.

Each year in May, Hearts & Hammers volunteers do whatever repairs and renovations are possible within the scope of a one-day work party, with priority given to health and safety problems. Activities include carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, plastering, weatherization, heavy cleaning, roofing, yard cleanup and trash removal.

There is no charge to the homeowners for labor or materials. Costs are covered by grants and donations from foundations, corporations, service organizations, churches, individuals, fund-raising events and in-kind donations of labor and materials. Volunteers come with a large range of skills and skill levels, but all are eager to work to benefit fellow community members.

The start-up Central Whidbey organization is seeking volunteers as well as tax-deductible financial and material contributions. The group is also accepting applications from homeowners who would like to be considered for assistance at this year’s May workday. Speakers are available to explain Hearts & Hammers’ “neighbors helping neighbors” program to community organizations and church groups.

Interested community members can contact Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers at cwheartsandhammers@gmail.com, leave a voice message at 360-240-2964, or write to Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers, 107 S Main Street, Suite C102, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Contact Whidbey News Times Editor Jim Larsen at editor@whidbeynewstimes.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5050.

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