5-18-17 Hearts & Hammers on Whidbey Island: Businesses and residents give back to the community

May 6^th, the first Saturday in May, was Hearts & Hammers (the concept was created by Blake and Lynn Willeford, owners of The Clyde Theater).  Rich and I have participated in this wonderful community program for several years.  Large numbers of people come together on a single day to help elderly or low-income people with home repairs so they can comfortably stay in their homes.  The Whidbey Hearts & Hammers has become a template now being used in many other communities.

In a small community like South Whidbey, you notice how much the local business people donate to the local non-profits and help out in many other ways.

This year, about 350 people contributed their skills and energy.  Many, like my husband and I, simply show up and do what we can to help.  But, there are also many professional people who donate their talents, like the two master carpenters who were on my team.  Electricians, plumbers, roofers and other skilled people who have their own businesses, participate.  Many of the large commercial businesses in the community offer special prices for, or donate, materials needed for the projects.

At the end of the workday, there is a joyful time when the volunteers and the homeowners come together for a delicious dinner.  This year the dinner for nearly 400 people was donated by Des Rock owner of the Useless Bay Coffee Company.

When you see businesses giving back to the community, it certainly makes you want to do business with them whenever you can.