Betty Mulligan

In 2007, Betty Mulligan of Palm City, Florida began volunteering at Caring Children, Clothing Children, which provides an opportunity for qualified youth to gain self-esteem by being able to obtain clothing similar to their peers at no cost.

While volunteering at the organization, Mulligan discovered a need for literacy skills amongst the children and parents visiting the store. Therefore, she created a literacy program within the organization, which includes a library enabling parents and children to select books according to interests and reading ability, and a stuffed animal to keep. She created bilingual pamphlets and video displays educating parents on the importance of reading aloud to their children. In addition, Mulligan recruits adult and student volunteer readers to participate in special literacy events and read aloud to children throughout the year.

For the past seven years, Mulligan has given countless hours with no reimbursement. She has enhanced the mission of Caring Children, Clothing Children by adding literacy as another focus of the charity. In addition, she has served as an active board member of the organization for the past five years.