Every Tuesday morning, volunteers pack into a crowded room at The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem. For hours, the devoted group sorts stacks of books — dividing them into themed categories, adding price-point stickers, and repacking them into trailers. Next stop, the center’s annual Used Book Sale.

The Shepherd’s Center is an interfaith ministry that promotes successful aging through volunteer opportunities and free or low-cost programming and services for older adults. In 2008, the organization proudly served more than 2,500 Forsyth County residents.

This year, a collection of 150,000 books and associated media will fill the fairgrounds’ education building April 30 through May 2. Not only are the bargains unbeatable, the cause is quite meaningful: All proceeds go to support the programs and services provided by The Shepherd’s Center. That’s what drives the dozens of dedicated volunteers — some who have been with the sale since its start 23 years ago — to devote so much of their time to this major fundraiser.

Begun in 1986 as a sidewalk sale at Thruway Center, the Used Book Sale is now the largest of its kind in the Triad. Donations are accepted year-round from individuals, schools, libraries, congregations, and retirement homes. Once the sale is complete, leftover selections are donated to Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, and the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission.

“Donations come in from the community, and then what we sell goes back into services for the community,” notes Executive Director Sam Matthews. “We can truly say that what comes from the community stays in the community — and that’s significant.”

The 2009 Shepherd’s Center Used Book Sale is April 30 through May 2 in the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds Education Building. Cash and checks are accepted. For information, call 336-748-0217 or go to http://www.shepherdscenter.org.