By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - When she moved to Florida after her retirement, Betty Mulligan thought that like the cold New York winters she'd left behind, she'd also said goodbye to her 35-year teaching career. But in the past three years, she's started a children's literacy program that operates in three sites across the county, is soon likely to expand, has attracted 50 tutors and teaches about 120 students annually.

"Before you know it, you're doing it," Ms. Mulligan said about unexpectedly reentering the teaching world.

Her efforts have drawn regional attention, helping her capture the American Senior Achievement Award, a prize for philanthropy given by the American Health Association.

Ms. Mulligan started her latest venture as a volunteer at Caring Children Clothing Children or 4Cs, a charity that provides free clothing to children from low-income families. The charity has provided more than 5,300 children with just under 32,200 articles or clothing and 5,400 pairs of shoes this year. But the retired teacher was interested in helping to build its literacy corner, handing out free books to children who came in to "shop" with their parents.

She knew which authors were popular with the second- and third-graders, and could spot the children who might enjoy the popular "Horrible Harry" series. But what she didn't expect was the 10-year-old girl who one day came to the reading area, and set her on a surprising course.

The child was enrolled at a local school, but spoke little English, and was therefore unable to follow along in class. In the time that it took her mother to "shop" at 4Cs, Ms. Mulligan taught the girl part of the alphabet. The child then left the reading area and returned with a translator.

"She came over and asked if I could teach her to read," Ms. Mulligan said.

The incident spurred the teacher to approach administrators of JD Parker and Port Salerno Elementary schools, where 4Cs now runs its literacy programs at no cost to the schools. Teachers recommend students who would benefit from additional tutoring. Administrators welcomed the assistance, and the school district awarded 4Cs its 2008-09 Outstanding Business Partner award at the two elementary schools.

"Cutbacks at schools mean they can't afford to (pay to) have someone to work with the struggling students," Ms. Mulligan said. "I am a strong believer in early intervention, and all of us are just doing what we think is right for the children."

Her attitude impressed Robert Gordon, president and CEO of the American Health Association and founder of the American Senior Achievement Award, who helped select her from among 140 nominees.

"Betty Mulligan stood head and shoulders above others as an example of what people can do... She exemplifies the spirit of voluntarism, which is so important in today's economy," he said.

Gigi Suntum, executive director of 4Cs, nominated Ms. Mulligan for the award.

"She's a wonderful, special person, who just never stops giving of her time, energy and knowledge," she said.

Caring Children Clothing Children needs volunteers and donations of books, clothing and cash to respond to growing demand in the county. For more information, call (772) 221-8777.