SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is accepting applications for next April's National Rebuilding Day.

The volunteer organization helps repair homes for low-income, elderly or disabled people in Saratoga County. Applications are due Sept. 15.

The group formed in December as a branch of the national Rebuilding Together group. Since then, it established a board of directors, raised more than $20,000 with help from the community and local businesses and completed five local service projects in April.

The average cost for each project was more than $3,000. Repairs on homes in Malta, Schuylerville and the town of Saratoga included siding, roofing, painting, plumbing, repairing unsafe porches and weatherization. Smaller painting jobs were done in Saratoga Springs at the nonprofit Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga.

'How many projects do we want to tackle this year?' RTSC President Michelle Larkin asked earlier this week at a board meeting.

The answer will depend on how much money RTSC can raise and the applications it receives. The good thing is that this year, there's more than a couple of months to raise money. Local businesses, churches, volunteer groups and individuals were outstanding in their support, and RTSC is working on plans for two fund-raisers in the fall.

To request an application to be considered for help this spring, write to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, 126 Burke Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or call Larkin at 583-4640.