Editor,

On Saturday, May 2 I had the privilege of seeing the Hearts & Hammers group in action. As an American Red Cross volunteer I was involved in a project we have which is designed to place smoke detectors in as many homes as possible. As part of the project I visited 10 of the 30-plus Hearts & Hammers crews which were working on people’s homes that day on South Whidbey.

I couldn’t have been more impressed with the level of professionalism and care the workers were giving the people who needed help. Everyone I came across was cheerful and happy in what they were doing.

These weren’t small projects like raising mail boxes, these were major home improvements. In at least three homes I saw complete floors being installed; at one a crew was installing thousands of dollars worth of laminated flooring. I saw roofs being repaired. I saw trained professionals giving their valuable time and labors to people in need.

I have always felt that the true mark of a person is how they treat the people who can give nothing in return. The crews I met certainly passed that test, and they made me feel proud to be part of the South Whidbey community.

KIRK LACEWELL

Langley