More than 70 Realtors and affiliate members put down their cellphones and MLS keys recently to give back to the community.

The second annual Realtors Helping Real People event was a two-day community service project that spanned Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. The event had Realtors in the area hoisting paint brushes and climbing ladders to help four families whose homes were in need of a little love. The Deep Well Project and Bluffton Self Help worked with members of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors to select the homes. In contrast to last year, volunteers helped mostly with exterior painting projects rather than interior work, said Gloria LaCoe, chairwoman of the association's community service committee. Lowe's helped by donating supplies such as paint and brushes, while other members brought in baked goods.

"The event lets us show that (Realtors) can do more for the community than just selling houses. We can help the community as well," LaCoe said.

Jean Beck, the association's executive vice president, said Realtors recognize the task of keeping up with a home can be a struggle, and assisting with repairs can bring a renewed sense of pride in homeownership.

"My satisfaction is seeing how the community service committee executed these four projects, and the deep gratification our Realtors feel when they see the appreciation from the homeowner and their families. Realtors truly care about the community and its neighbors."

All in all, LaCoe said she was pleased with the number of people who showed up to lend a helping hand.

"We had a much better turn out this year, about 10 percent more. We hope to continue the project and do it again next year," she said.