One December day eight years ago, Joan Hobbs agreed to help a friend sort a few books-a few thousand books. That was her introduction to Share-A-Gift, the group that annually distributes donated toys, bikes and books to about 2,000 children in the Boulder Valley School District every holiday season.

Hobbs was hooked. She joined the Share-A-Gift's board of directors and runs the autumn book drive, collecting thousands of kids' books in English and Spanish. Hobbs, an organizational consultant, has a knack for sorting, making her a perfect fit for the job.

"Those thousands of books get sorted into categories, just like at a bookstore," said Hobbs. "My organizational skills help when the books pour in the front door. They need to be sorted in three days, before our distribution."

Hobbs reads to her own children and wants to help other parents do the same-even if they can't afford to buy books.

"I have everything I need in life and more," said Hobbs. "It is nice to participate in an organization that helps make the holidays brighter for families in need of a helping hand."

For information about volunteering with Share-A-Gift or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.