"I have worked with young children since I was ten years old, and began volunteering in high school," said Kari Silva, who volunteers at Parenting Place, a Boulder nonprofit providing outreach, support and education for parents. In January, she began greeting visitors as they walked in the door, but soon found a multitude of ways to make herself indispensible at the center known for its classes, workshops and playgroups.

Silva maintains the center's lending library, organizes the donated-food pantry, performs a variety of administrative duties and fields all inquiries during the weekly staff meeting-all in about three hours per week. She draws from her background teaching both elementary- and middle-school students, as well as from her master's degree in education.

One thing Silva likes about Parenting Place is how it serves people from all walks of life. "Parenting Place has donors and volunteers who also bring their children," she said. "Then, there are people who leave the building with donated bags of food."

Silva describes Parenting Place as "a positive environment," and says the staff lets her know they appreciate her help. "They work at Parenting Place because they care about kids and families."

For information about volunteering with Parenting Place or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.