Clock in, lend a neighborly hand, clock out — and watch your credit grow at the bank. The next time you need help, you can cash in on that credit.

That’s the philosophy of “Time Banking,” an innovative reincarnation of a very old concept that has mobilized a group of Orcas Islanders.

Helping tasks run the gamut: a massage, digging potatoes, organizing closets, violin lessons — you name it, you can bank it. Volunteer Diane Emerson and friends are now working to set up a “Time Bank” for Orcas Island. The concept involves a paid local Time Bank coordinator and an online network to help connect members’ needs and skills.

The time exchange initiative is now ready to adopt a name and motto; this will be accomplished through an informal county-wide ballot. A temporary webpage has been set up with the ballot link at: www.VisionOnOrcas.com.

Once the name/domain name and motto have been determined and affiliate membership has been received from TimeBanks USA, the temporary webpage will be replaced with an interactive website specific to our county-wide time exchange. Morgan Meadows, acting coordinator for the time exchange initiative, anticipates the website and corresponding database will be up and running no later than March 1.

Ongoing workshops and presentations, as well as fundraising events, are now being organized by a growing number of volunteers; dates and times will be posted in local community calendars. The first fundraising endeavor, hosted by Samara Shaw, is a pie sale that will be held on Feb. 11 and 12 at the Island Market.

For info, call 376-6771.