Local realtors work on a Los Altos home as part of the RSVP program.

During the week of May 8, 500 members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) and the San Mateo County Association of realtors visited 352 homes of seniors and the homebound on the Peninsula and South Bay to assist with repairs as part of the Realtor Service Volunteer Program.

They washed windows, replaced light bulbs, cleaned gutters, changed smoke detector batteries and furnace filters and planted flowers, among other things, for seniors unable to do these tasks.

In the Los Altos and Mountain View areas, volunteers provided service to 46 homes.

The volunteer program was adopted as an official association community outreach project in 2002. Committee chairman David Barca is pleased the program continues to grow each year.

“RSVP has been equally rewarding for both sides,” said committee chairman David Barca. ” … You can’t explain how good you feel, especially when you see the smiles on the faces of these folks, some of whom are over 80 years old and can’t do a lot of things on their own.”

One of the people helped by the program called it “better than Christmas,” adding: “I can’t say enough about how wonderful they are and what a great job they did for me.

“I am forever grateful that you have this service.”

The volunteers also provide company. “Some of our members have quietly adopted these seniors and regularly keep in touch with them even after the program,” Barca said. “It’s developed lasting friendships.”

Barca recalled a 103-year-old woman who has used the program for the past four years.

She said goodbye to the volunteers, saying, “I’ll see you folks next year!”