CLINTON —
Meggan Judd-Cant, 39, of Clinton, first volunteered for the Victory Center’s Great Thanksgiving banquet in 1988, the first year the event was held.
Meggan was 15 when her family worked at that first banquet. Her father was on the council and Pastor Ray Gimenez asked him to come.
“It was the most rewarding (Thanksgiving),” Meggan said.
That first experience made such an impact that Meggan continued to come back for more. Throughout the years, she has continued to volunteer off and on. Gimenez said that each time she has worked, she always has a happy face and giving attitude. Meggan feels the dinner is a great service for the people who need help.
“Unfortunately the need is there so we have to make sure as a community to step up to the call,” Meggan said.
Meggan said participating in the dinner is just as rewarding for her as it is for those served. She has worked to pass the desire to volunteer into her three children as well. She said her 18-year-old daughter has helped at the dinner too.
“I think it’s important to instill in your children, as my parents instilled it in me, to pay it forward,” Meggan said.
Typically Meggan and her family serves food during the banquet. However, she said people can help in a variety of ways from donating a can of pumpkin for pies to donating money or simply being at the door greeting people as they come in.
“The beauty of this is anybody in every circumstance can help,” Meggan said.
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October 27, 2012
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Meggan Judd-Cant
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