There’s a common misconception about Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers.

It’s often thought that involvement requires certain handyman skills or expertise in areas such as carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.

Not so, says Gary Wray, member of the board of directors.

“It’s not even skilled workers. It’s just people,” Wray said. “Hearts & Hammers is more about community building.”

An example of this was on display last Friday at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, where about 100 people attended an informal dinner and fundraiser, showing how far the nonprofit organization has come in six years.

As a jazz band played, people dined and mingled during a gathering designed to raise money and awareness for the group’s cause.

Each spring, Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers organizes an all-volunteer work day where skilled hands and other laborers combine efforts to help homeowners in Central Whidbey with small projects.

The nonprofit group was formed in 2009 as an off-shoot to its sister organization on South Whidbey, which was founded in 1994 and inspired movements in other states.

Following the organization’s theme of “neighbors helping neighbors,” the effort is designed to help those in the community who have trouble doing the work themselves or can’t afford to pay for it.

The group tackles about 20 projects each year in a single day with work ranging from painting and roof repairs to yard cleanup.

The board of directors will look over about 16 applications that have come in for this year’s work day, which is May 2 and serves residents who live within the Coupeville School District.

Although a posted deadline has passed, applicants may still apply.

“We can always use more,” said Wilson Binger, board president.

Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers is made up of 12 board members and a volunteer work force that has grown to about 120, Binger said.

Home builder John Schisel and his wife Alice were among four community members who started the off-shoot in Coupeville and have watched interest, enthusiasm and participation grow.

“It’s infectious,” retired plumber Bill Skubi said.

Now the Central Whidbey organization is interested in assisting a group from North Whidbey to get off the ground.

But so far, no one from Oak Harbor has stepped forward.

“We’re trying to find someone who’s interested in picking up the ball and running with it,” Wray said.

“If there’s a group in Oak Harbor that would like to take ownership of it, we’d be willing to help them,” Binger said.

Wray has been involved with Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers since it started in 2009.

He owns a siding company with his brother and wanted to use his skills to help others in his community.

“It was the right thing to do,” he said.

Contractors and builders are the “heart and soul” of the Hearts & Hammers movement, said Skubi,  who’s been involved with the effort since 1996, beginning in South Whidbey.

However, the work parties include anyone who wants to help, which includes meal preparation on the work day.

To contact Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers, call 360-720-2114 or send an email to cwhearsandhammers@gmail.com For more information, go to the group’s website at www.cwheartsandhamers.com