Investing in the Next Generation - Local Couple Serves Children Through Their Careers, Volunteerism, and Philanthropy

Dr. Allie Brooks had planned on a long career in the United States Military. Serving in ROTC at South Carolina State University as he completed his education degree, he had no expectation of becoming a teacher.

However, after an honorable discharge from the military, Dr. Brooks began serving his country by investing in the next generation. Beginning as a math teacher at Moore Middle School, Dr. Brooks quickly worked his way up to Principal at Wilson High School, a role he held for three decades. His career culminated by serving as Superintendent of Florence School District One.

“Being an educator gives you the chance to help mold children,” Dr. Brooks explained. “Being a principal and a superintendent allows you to increase your impact in helping students become productive adults.”

While Dr. Brooks strived to develop the next generation, Barbara worked to provide specialized and compassionate care for the Pee Dee region as a registered nurse at McLeod Regional Medical Center. With a career that spanned more than 46 years, Barbara also believed in the value of giving back to the community and was a loyal supporter of the McLeod Health Foundation’s Employee Campaign during her years of service.

Through their careers as well as the fact that their three children were born at McLeod, Dr. Brooks and Barbara know the value of having children’s healthcare available locally. In 2016, they joined other generous donors of the McLeod Foundation to support the McLeod Children’s Hospital Expansion Campaign.

“It is a blessing to have a Children’s Hospital in the Pee Dee,” Dr. Brooks says. “The services they provide children in our region – from babies no larger than your hand to teenagers – are immeasurable.”

Dr. Brooks and Barbara are both retired now, but they remain committed to improving the lives of the next generation in our region by tutoring elementary school children and mentoring at risk K-12 students. In addition to a busy volunteering schedule and Dr. Brooks’ service on the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, the couple give monthly via direct mail to support the McLeod Children’s Hospital.