A Commerce City senior this week saw the spirit of selflessness at work in the next generation.

That's when a group of teens representing the national Youth Works service organization volunteered to paint the home of a Commerce City senior as part of the 31 st Season of the Brothers Redevelopment Paint-A-Thon.

In all, nearly a dozen teens spent two days painting the home of senior Pearl Brown, an 85-year-old Commerce City resident who has lived in her house for more than 50 years. The group also cleared out a collection of recyclables that had accumulated in the rear of her Suarini Drive abode.

"I really appreciate these volunteers," Brown said as she watched the youngsters move through her corner lot. "I didn't know how I was going to paint and clear these things out of here. The program is a great help."

Thanks to a grant from Commerce City's Quality Community Foundation, 'Brothers' was able to recruit volunteers and cover house painting costs for Brown and several other seniors residing in the northeast metro community--saving them thousands in home maintenance costs while also preserving their most important investment.

Sans the city's generosity, and the caring commitment of volunteer groups like Youth Works, many fixed-income seniors like Brown would forego house painting-which protects the structure from the elements and serves as a crucial part of a home's overall maintenance. These days, the cost to paint a home can surpass $5,000 or more-a large amount that is out of reach for the average Paint-A-Thon recipient, who is 74-years-old and living on monthly incomes of less than $1,000.

"The program is a great asset for the city's residents, and I'm honored to see so many volunteers helping a deserving senior," said Commerce City Councilman Jason McEldowney, who on Wednesday visited with Brown and Youth Works volunteers. "I hope we can find more ways to support and team with an organization like Brothers Redevelopment in the future."

If past history is the guide, then such a scenario would serve the city's residents well. Brothers has been at work in Commerce City over the past decade, painting and performing all manner repairs on homes for residents.

Seniors who want to find out if they qualify for the program, and volunteer groups who want to participate in the event, are encouraged to call 303-202-6340 or visit www.brothersredevelopment.org.

The Paint-A-Thon's 31 st Season is presented by First Bank, The Mountain West Sports Network (The Mtn.), Diamond Vogel Paints, Comcast and Studio 1430 KEZW-AM.

Event contributors include American Family Insurance, The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Denver Employees Volunteer Opportunities (DEVO) and KACT-TV Aurora 8.