Lenita Graves doesn’t know what she would do without Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers.
Since they formed in 2009 and started organizing an annual work day to help homeowners in need of a hand, Graves has called on them at least three times.
The volunteer group has helped Graves with electrical work, shower-head installation and even cleaning moss from the roof of her Admiral’s Cove home.
“I can’t do that,” said Graves. “I’m afraid of heights.
Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers is preparing for its 2015 work day, which will take place May 2, and is looking for projects around Central Whidbey.
The group is made up of skilled craftsmen and other helpers who are looking to make a difference in their community.
Any homeowner may apply, however, the purpose of the organization is to help those who have trouble doing the work themselves or can’t afford to pay for it.
The nonprofit group is accepting applications through Jan. 31.
“Basically, these are people who are homeowners who, for whatever reason, have work that needs to be done on their home or property that they just aren’t able to do,” said Wilson Binger, the nonprofit’s board president. “Sometimes, it’s financial reasons. Sometimes, it’s physical reasons. But they just can’t get the work done.”
Hearts & Hammers is long established in South Whidbey but branched out to form a separate group in Central Whidbey five years ago.
Binger said they are exploring whether to form a group in North Whidbey to focus on Oak Harbor projects and are looking for candidates interested in spearheading that group.
Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers, whose motto is “Neighbors helping neighbors,” tackles about 20 projects during the designated work day in an area that basically encompasses the Coupeville School District.
Projects include painting, roof repair, de-mossing roofs, replacing windows, flooring and decking, gardening, trash cleanup and cleaning out gutters, among other tasks.
The group is holding a fundraiser dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Coupeville Rec Hall to help cover materials for projects.
Homeowners interested in applying for help may do so by calling 360-720-2114 or emailing cwheartsand
hammers@gmail.com
For more information, go to the website at cwheart
sandhammers.com
