Last weekend was Hearts & Hammers. Rich and I have participated in this wonderful community program for several years. The concept of having 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 has become a template 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, over 400 volunteers participated. Many, like my husband and I, simply show up and do what we can to help. But, there are also many skilled crafts people who donate their skills, as well 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 materials needed for the projects.
When you see businesses giving back to the community, it certainly makes you want to do business with them whenever you can.