Cindy Kidwell doesn't put up just one angel on her Christmas tree each year. She puts up over a thousand paper angels each holiday season on "Giving Trees" in local businesses. Written on each angel is a low-income child's name, and their wish for Christmas.

Kidwell is the coordinator for the Holiday Giving Program, which services over 1,100 low-income families in St. Vrain Valley. The program is part of the St. Vrain Community Council, a coalition of about 45 community organizations.

Kidwell became involved with the Holiday Giving Program ten years ago through her church, starting as a general volunteer and rising through the ranks to the steering committee and then coordinator.

The first year that she volunteered, she was astounded by how many people came out to help. "The mall security was overwhelmed," she laughed. "[It was] kind of mind blowing to see this many people coming in and bringing gifts."

When asked to summarize her volunteer efforts, she paused. "Other than being a mom, this is the most rewarding thing I do."

For information about volunteering with Holiday Giving Program or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.