The program is the brainchild of Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman, who wants to use collaborative efforts of many groups and individuals to complete projects in town and foster a sense of community.

Among the groups that have agreed to participate are churches, service clubs and corporations. At least 40 individuals have volunteered, too.

"When you divide up a chore among many people ... there's strength in numbers and the chore's not so big," Wasserman said at a March 3 speech at Los Gatos Meadows retirement community.

Mollie Drake, the community's admissions director, has signed up for her organization to take part. She expects that organized committees and active individuals there will want to help.

"I'm going to pose the project back to the residents," Drake said. "I think it's a great opportunity for people to be able to speak their minds and get involved."

According to Wasserman, initial responses have indicated that assistance to senior citizens is the most popular concern. Following closely behind are projects aiding youth and the town's trails and parks.

Bill Flood, a local Boy Scout master, said his troop has experience in a variety of projects, including outdoor preservation. He said Scouts completing Eagle projects could benefit from Community Unity, and the program would help the boys develop a sense of ownership of the town.

"I think [community service] is really important for building unity and buying into the community," he said. "It makes the town theirs."

Los Gatos High School senior Anita Prasad has signed up to help through both the school's diversity task force and Interact Club. As Interact president, she said she has learned that collaboration is often an effective way to complete projects.

"It's good to talk to other club presidents and find out what's going on with their clubs," she said. "It's been really successful at the high school level, and hopefully it will be successful in the community, too."

Bob Thomas, senior teaching pastor at Calvary Church, said his organization should be able to bring hundreds of volunteers to Community Unity.

"I think we could see benefits in terms of parks and other special needs in the community," Thomas said. "I'm excited about it. I did have a lunch with the mayor, and I'm thrilled with his sense of vision."