NATCHEZ — As a teacher for more than 40 years, Ruthie Washington knows how precious children are.

So when she retired in May 2012, Washington chose to spend some of her free time helping at-risk children, though she does so indirectly.

Washington volunteers twice a week — usually Mondays and Tuesdays — at the Natchez Children’s Home Thrift Store, which helps raise money for the home for at-risk children. Before Washington retired, she visited her friend Ira Baker at the shop and promised Baker a helping hand.

“I’ve known Ira for a long time, and I came by one day and saw all of the items, and I saw that they didn’t have a whole lot of help,” Washington said. “I told her when I retired I would help, and I did.”

For approximately one year, Washington has been helping the shop organize and hang clothes and bring in items that are donated.

“Whatever I need to do, I’m just happy to help,” Washington said. “After working 45 years and having a reasonable portion of working strength left, I don’t want to just sit around the house and do nothing.”

Baker said she wasn’t surprised when Washington expressed interest in lending her time to the thrift shop.

“I’ve known her my whole life, since I was a little girl, and she’s always had a good heart,” Baker said. “She loves kids.”

Working at the thrift shop is simply a means for giving back after being blessed herself for so many years, Washington said. It’s especially nice knowing it goes to an organization like the Natchez Children’s Home, she said.

“When you’re blessed, you want to bless others,” she said. “Taking care of children and inspiring them is important. I worked with at-risk children (as a teacher), and children are special. They’re a gift from God, so whatever you can do to help them, you want to do it. Even though I don’t interact with them, indirectly I am helping them.”

Though it’s not a paying job, Washington said she treats it like one.

“I really like it here,” Washington said. “Last week I was out with bronchitis, and I actually called and told them I couldn’t work, so I must like it.”

Baker said she’s happy to have volunteers such as Washington to help keep the thrift store running.

“I have good volunteers here,” Baker said. “There are about five to six ladies, and we couldn’t make it without them.”