Plymouth declares a ‘Carol Brooks Day’ after her decades of service

PLYMOUTH — Carol Brooks has quietly answered the call for more than four decades when Plymouth residents needed help the most — and she did it without ever asking for recognition.

Brooks, 88, recently “retired” as the sole Salvation Army representative for Plymouth and Shiloh — a volunteer role she carried out entirely on her own.

Village leaders honored her extraordinary commitment with a surprise recognition during Tuesday’s council meeting.

“Carol Brooks Day” announced

The recognition came as a complete surprise for Brooks.

“It was unexpected but great and so appreciated,” she said. “Yes, I was very surprised.”

During the meeting, Mayor Cassaundra Fryman formally recognized Brooks’ decades of service with an official proclamation praising her compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families in need.

The proclamation noted her work which strengthened the Plymouth community by providing support, hope and dignity during times of hardship. Fryman highlighted her leadership and generosity as having a lasting impact on both The Salvation Army and the village.

As part of the recognition, Fryman proclaimed Jan. 27, 2026 as “Carol Brooks Day” in the Village of Plymouth.

An unexpected beginning, a decades-long calling

Her journey with The Salvation Army began in an unassuming but life-changing way, back in the 1980s when the editor for the Plymouth newspaper came to her and passed his duties off onto her.

“He came into the bicycle shop my husband and I owned and said, ‘Carol, I have some books for you. I’m giving up the Salvation Army,'” she said. “It never occurred to me to say no because I love volunteer work and helping others.”

While she never expected the role to span more than four decades, Brooks said the experience has been deeply rewarding.

“No, absolutely not, I didn’t think I’d do this for so long,” she said. “But it has been so wonderful and such a blessing.”

It never occurred to me to say no because I love volunteer work and helping others.

Carol Brooks

For years, Brooks served as the point person for residents facing financial hardship. When families needed help with rent, utilities, propane, gas or groceries, she met with them personally, verified eligibility and issued vouchers directly to landlords and utility companies.

She also secured gift cards to ensure immediate access to gas and groceries when needed.

Brooks assembled and distributed personal hygiene packages, often coordinating deliveries around the holidays. During the Christmas season, she worked with local organizations that “adopted” families in need, quietly identifying households struggling behind the scenes.

She also organized volunteer bell ringers for The Salvation Army’s annual kettle bell campaign, ensuring the familiar sound of bells continued outside local businesses each holiday season.

Service beyond one role — and a legacy felt by many

Her service extends well beyond The Salvation Army.

Outside of that role, Brooks serves as organist, choir director and treasurer at her church. She is also deeply involved with the Romans 12:13 Fund, an outreach effort created by the Ecumenical Council made up of pastors from surrounding churches.

Brooks’ advice for those who want to imitate her long life of giving? Understand the blessing it is.

“They would need to realize that this is a blessing to do this sort of thing,” she said. “It makes you realize how fortunate you are to have what you have. You also make wonderful friends who end up being a huge blessing to you.”

For Brooks’ family, the recognition was both meaningful and long overdue.

Ronnie and Jamie Akers, Brooks’ son-in-law and daughter, said they were grateful to see her honored for the work she has done and for the 40-plus years she worked to help those in need.

Grandchildren, Austin and Jen Akers, echoed that sentiment, stating the recognition only scratches the surface.

“This is only a small fraction of the recognition she deserves. A national holiday wouldn’t be enough,” they said. “She has made her entire life about serving others and serving God. This community is undeniably a better place because she is in it.”

Kade and Emily Collins, added seeing their grandmother honored was a deeply emotional moment.

“At the drop of a hat, she would do anything to help others in need, never looking for recognition or praise,” they said. “She gave her time, her energy and her heart so freely. Seeing her honored like this is a powerful reminder of how one person’s compassion can truly change lives.”

They also expressed their gratitude to village leaders for making the recognition and “Carol Brooks Day” possible.