SOUTH POINT - What began as a chance to spend more time with her children has become a love affair for Gina Martin.

When Martin's son Ethan, now 12, started kindergarten at South Point Elementary, Martin tagged along with him to school as a volunteer. She did not volunteer when he was in first grade, but began volunteering again when he was in second, and has done so since.

"At first, I wanted to be where my kids were. Then I got into it, and fell in love with it," she said.

Now, Martin mostly works with kindergarten students, and her work with them is very exciting, she said. When the children begin learning to read, some have blank looks on their faces. Then, they begin putting the letters and sounds together.

"It blows their minds that they're really reading," she said.

"They're so sweet. They hug you, and they're so excited to see you."

While showing "word cards" to a young girl last year, Martin noticed that the girl was struggling.She encouraged the girl to practice at home. Later, she showed the girl the word cards again, and the girl went through them very quickly.

"I said, 'You've been practicing at home, and her face lit up. Everything started to click," Martin said.

This girl's grandmother is a good friend of Martin's, and she has been able to track her progress. The girl has been "taking off" in school and doing really well, Martin said.

Early in the morning, Martin cleans an office for a few hours, then comes to school. Her light workload, she said, has been a blessing because it allows her to do the work she does at the school.

"I'm fortunate that my work doesn't take that long," she said. "I feel for parents that have to work, but it's very understandable."

Not only is her husband Randy supportive, but when he is available, he helps the schools with activities like after-school programs. She was worried, however, about what Ethan and her daughter Maleea, 9, would think about Mom coming to school with them.

"They love it," she said. "My kids are really lovely kids. They feel good knowing their mom is there."

Ethan started in middle school this year, and Tuesday, Martin began working there as well as the elementary school. As her children progress through school, Martin has no thoughts of stopping.

"I'll do it as long as I can," she said. "As long as they don't run me off, I'll keep doing this. I love it. I wouldn't keep coming back if I didn't."

"If any parent can find any time to volunteer, and I know it's hard for some because of work, it's really rewarding. Even if it's just one day a month, it's worth it."