You and me and rain on the roof: Weather ignored by Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers

A drizzly Saturday couldn’t dampen the spirits of nearly 100 volunteers who helped their neighbors by fixing roofs and doing dozens of other tasks around various homes. Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers organized 90 volunteers who made repairs to 21 homes in and around Coupeville. The homes are owned by people who are disabled or don’t have the financial resources to complete the work on their own.

By Nathan Whalen • May 10, 2011 5:28 pm
Sharlyn Hubbard and Jessica Schisel dismantle a ramp that was replaced thanks to the efforts of volunteers participating in the annual Hearts and Hammers work day.
Sharlyn Hubbard and Jessica Schisel dismantle a ramp that was replaced thanks to the efforts of volunteers participating in the annual Hearts and Hammers work day.

A drizzly Saturday couldn’t dampen the spirits of nearly 100 volunteers who helped their neighbors by fixing roofs and doing dozens of other tasks around various homes.

Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers organized 90 volunteers who made repairs to 21 homes in and around Coupeville. The homes are owned by people who are disabled or don’t have the financial resources to complete the work on their own.

“It was just a fabulous day,” said Vicki Chambers, one of the organizers for Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers. The projects helped improve the accessibility and safety of the homes.

One team of volunteers was busy replacing the deck and ramp at a home southeast of Coupeville. Team captain Jordan Schisel said his seven volunteers started work at 9 a.m. ripping out the old wood structures. By noon, volunteers were busy building the patio on the back of the house while others were tearing down the ramp leading to the front door.

“I figure this was a good way to give back,” local real estate agent Giuseppe Grillea said while helping install the deck.

Chambers spent Saturday with a team who replaced a bathroom floor in a home. She said the floor had rotted away so badly the toilet likely would have fallen through in the next couple of months.

The project turned out to be more extensive than originally planned and the work will be completed this weekend with the help of a certified plumber.

Chambers said volunteers try to complete all projects during the course of the work day. However, the rainy weather that continues to blow through Whidbey Island hampered their efforts, and some of those projects will be completed in the coming days.

Saturday’s work day marked the third year Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers helped homeowners. The group stems from the larger Hearts and Hammers group on South Whidbey Island.

Once volunteers completed their projects, they, along with the appreciative homeowners, gathered at Living Hope Foursquare Church to celebrate their efforts.

Chambers said that with the day complete, work will soon  begin on planning and raising funds for the 2012 work day.

She said the organization is accepting project applications year round, but stressed that work on potential projects will only take place during the annual work day, which takes place the first Saturday of May.

For more information about Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers, go to www.centralwhidbeyheartsandhammers.com.