"Most Realtors by nature are sharing and giving people, the kind of people that would participate in the community no matter what they did for a living. Many of us have pet projects that we like to concentrate on," said Greg Wynne, a Realtor with Alan Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos.

Wynne's pet project is the public schools of the mountain community, and he donates a portion of his share of the fee for every home he sells to the appropriate district. He also keeps an eye out for equipment, computers and other tools that the schools could use.

"By helping the schools, I help our future and hopefully enhance property value at the same time," said Wynne. "I like to be involved in the community as a way of giving back and as a great way to learn more about the community itself. The important thing to keep in mind is that it isn't done for mercenary and self-serving reasons. People can see right through that."

There are many examples of Realtors who give of their time to a worthy cause. Harry Murray of Alain Pinel Realtors in Saratoga served as chairman of the annual Strawberry Festival fundraiser to benefit EMQ Children & Family Services for eight years. He also served as a board member of that organization for six years.

Linda Kentner, of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos, likes to volunteer for nonprofit events. She has been a staff volunteer for the community's Capitola Begonia Festival and said, "I'm proud of the hard work done by all the volunteers with a common goal to provide a fun-filled weekend for families to enjoy together."

For Kathy Stakey of Coldwell Banker in Saratoga, volunteering is a way of life. The recipient of the CREST (Cupertino Recognizes Extra Steps Taken) Award for outstanding volunteerism, Stakey serves as a library commissioner and is treasurer of the Friends of the Cupertino Library. She also coordinates the student volunteers who assist with quarterly book sales.

"I think my community is like my family, and I enjoy being steeped in the activities surrounding my community," said Stakey. "I try to contribute monetarily when I run out of time to volunteer."

Realtor Deeann Mahoney of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos serves on the board of directors of the Los Gatos Community Foundation, a local nonprofit that contributes funds to local causes such as student scholarships, the tree-lighting ceremony and the bandstand project at Oak Meadow Park.

"I think Realtors are among the most charitable as an industry. Most Realtors donate both their time and money to important causes and are very involved in the local community," said Mahoney.

For the holiday season, Mahoney said, her office is very involved in Operation Reindeer, a joint effort between the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and the American Red Cross. "Most Realtors donate individually to the cause to buy food, clothing and other necessities for families in the area that have experienced extreme hardships," said Mahoney.

More than 30 real estate, title and mortgage companies participated in Operation Reindeer this year to help 72 families or seniors have a brighter holiday season.

Realtor Simin Malek of Coldwell Banker in Los Gatos said their office has been very active in Operation Reindeer by donating money, gifts and volunteer time to the effort. Realtor offices sponsor families and provide wrapped gifts and food certificates. "It is a time of giving—it is awesome," said Malek.

Operation Reindeer was coordinated this year by Don Newhall, a 32-year volunteer for the American Red Cross and a Realtor with Village Square Realty in Los Gatos, and Sharon Butler of Pacific Republic Mortgage Corp of San Jose, representing the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

Newhall, who is the past chair of the West Valley Advisory Committee and serves on the board of directors for the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, said Operation Reindeer began in the mid-1960s as a way to help those less fortunate in the area.

"This program makes the difference between nothing and a Christmas," said Newhall. "When you deliver these gifts, you see some of the most difficult situations. It's a tear-jerker. There is more of a need this year than ever before."

Other holiday gift-giving opportunities during the season included Coldwell Banker's effort to support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program by collecting new, unwrapped toys at all Coldwell Banker offices. "We want to ensure that every needy child in the community receives a special present on Christmas morning," said Jeff Culbertson, Coldwell Banker Silicon Valley president and chief operating officer. "Our gift collection and delivery program is a small way to express our care and concern during this busy season."

Whether it's the holiday season or any time during the year, Realtors are involved in their communities, said President Judy Jarvis Ellis of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and a Realtor with Alain Pinel Realtors in Palo Alto. "Our Realtor members support a variety of fundraising events to benefit seniors, children and other organizations in the community all year round."

In addition, the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors Charitable Foundation has donated thousands of dollars during the year to provide student scholarships and support for various nonprofit groups, including the Los Gatos Union High School District, the Los Gatos Museum Association and community services agencies in various cities.