Retired, 99-year-old teacher helps kids read in her spare time

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Age-old wisdom from a remarkable woman bridges several generations to help kids learn.

Lorena MacGregor is proof that you are never too old to volunteer.

For the past four years, the 99-year-old has given her time to help at Just Elementary School students with their reading skills.

"I think they need all the help that they can get if they are having difficulty reading then why not help them if you can," Lorena said.

The students affectionately call her grammy.

"She's a nice person," said student Marsiah Albury. "She's a helpful person too."

"It's helping me because last year when we were doing it, I used to be on a level 14 now I am on a level 36," said student Janaeasia Huggins.

Bonnie Givens, Lorena's daughter brings her to the school once a week to help out the students.

"Even when she has macular degeneration she stills comes and gives what she can give," Bonnie said.

Lorena was a pre-school teacher for 30 years before retiring and says volunteering is in her blood.

"It's very rewarding to me if I can help a child learn to read," she said.

The students learn another important life lesson, says Principal Ire Caroline.

"It teaches kids about community service and giving back and that what she is truly doing here," Caroline said.

"I think if anybody can do this they should do it, and it's very rewarding to help a child," Lorena said.