“Embarking on its eighth year of community service, Hearts and Hammers is looking for still more homes to repair.Hearts and Hammers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free repair and maintenance on the homes of people who are physically or financially unable to do this work alone. Last May, South Whidbey crews worked at 34 homes of disabled, elderly, and low-income households, and at three other sites chopping wood and providing support services. A record 400 volunteers, led by 31 house captains, spread out over 300 square miles of the Island. They repaired structures, did yard work, and generally had a fun and fulfilling day providing practical help and community support for their neighbors.Labor and materials are free to the homeowners, many of whom work alongside the volunteers as they were able. Individuals, local businesses, and community organizations donat materials, publicity and funds.The annual Hearts and Hammers one-day project has become a South Whidbey tradition, growing in scope and popularity as each workday generates enthusiastic reports of accomplishment, fellowship, and goodwill. It is estimated that this past year alone the efforts of this organization represented over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. If you, or someone you know, have a need for aid and help, Hearts and Hammers needs to have these homes referred to them by Feb. 1 for the May workday. Homeowners who would like a helping hand on Saturday, May 5, 2001, can apply directly by phone (call Lynn at 730-7915 or Tinker at 321-1795) or by mail: Hearts and Hammers, P.O. Box 694, Langley, WA 98260.Friends, neighbors, pastors, and other involved members of the community are also encouraged to recommend possible home sites for consideration. “