He's been a volunteer helping children figure out their math homework for a decade, but Jack Coughlan said it all started "by mistake."

Coughlan, a Wareham resident, was in the computer industry 10 years ago. He went to the Boys & Girls Club in Wareham to see if they needed any help fixing their computers.

"When I was there, a group of kids came charging at me," Coughlan said. He found out those kids needed some help with their homework, and he's been going to the club twice a week to help them ever since.

"It was the best thing I've ever done," he said.

The Boys & Girls Club offers an after-school program from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday that includes homework assistance. The club is "dedicated to providing a stimulating and wholesome environment which promotes social, educational, character and physical development for children and young adults" according to the website.

Coughlan doesn't have a teaching background and has never been a formal educator, but he's helped countless children over the last 10 years with his quiet, patient ease. The most rewarding part is when a student who's been struggling finally gets a concept, he said.

Jolee LaGuerre, 9, said math is her least favorite subject in school, but Coughlan is always able to help her figure things out.

"He's caring and generous," said Avianna Landry, 12. "He's useful and he's happy to work with the kids."

But the work can be challenging for Coughlan too, and not just because of the rigors of middle school mathematics.

"Sometimes a kid stops showing up and it's because of financial issues," Coughlan said. "It makes you mad."

But he has young, friendly faces all around town. He sees them in restaurants and when he's out shopping.

"They all know me and they come up and say hi," said Coughlan, who has three children and five grandchildren of his own.

It's such a rewarding experience that everyone should do it, he believes.

"It certainly is something anyone can do once a week, just coming in and helping kids with their reading," he said.

The one-on-one help can be transformative for young learners. He suggests people take it up in the winter when things slow down and there isn't as much going on. Even an hour a week is a big contribution to make in children's lives.

Coughlan was recognized for his service on Jan. 15 when he was presented with the Community Service Award for his “countless hours of dedication and hard work” by Boys & Girls Club Director Ken Fontes. The award was a huge surprise to him, Coughlan said.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "Kenny [Fontes] was leading up to the award and I said, 'Uh oh. That sounds like me.'"

After 10 years of sitting with kids and working on homework with them, he's not slowing down one bit.

"I'm going to keep doing this as long as I can add 1 and 1 and get 2," Coughlan said. Every time he heads out the door to volunteer, his wife quizzes him with this question to make sure the math major stays sharp.