The Open Hand Kitchen holds a special place in Becky Duncan’s heart.
 

It was 20 years ago this Thanksgiving when Duncan volunteered there for the first time.
 

“I had tears in my eyes because I could have been (in their shoes) if my family didn’t help me out,” Duncan said. “I felt so much gratitude that it just made me want to continue to come.”
 

Duncan’s life was much different a few months prior to that Thanksgiving in 2005. At 23 years old, Duncan had gall­bladder complications and was prescribed Lortabs. It led to an addiction to drugs that just “spiraled from there.”
 

For the next several years, Duncan was in and out of jail for calling in prescrip­tions.
 

“My parents were like, ‘We love you, but we’re not getting you out. We’ll come visit you, but you’re on your own.’ Obviously, I was mad at the time, but it was the best thing they could have ever done,” Duncan added.
 

It was the wake-up call Duncan needed. She has been sober since May 17, 2005. She credits “drug court” and the relational support she received as the difference makers.
 

In August 2005, Duncan was released from jail. Through her friend, she heard about a volunteer opportu­nity at the Open Hand Kitchen on Thanksgiving.
 

“I was wanting to just give back because I felt like people helped me along the way,” she said. “Some­times the right person can make a huge difference in your life.”
 

For the last two decades, Duncan has served a special meal at the Open Hand Kitchen nearly every year (pictured with her best friend and her friend's kids).
 

“It’s very rewarding to me because I feel very fortunate that I had a family that when I got out, they were there to help me,” Duncan said. “But I feel like other people, they can’t get ahead. For me, it’s just trying to make somebody’s day and make them feel important.”
 

In 2021, Duncan’s record was ex­punged. It’s a part of the story she shares with those in the Open Hand Kitchen.
 

“I want people to know there’s hope. That no matter what you’ve been through, there’s a way out,” Duncan added. “I tell people my story while I’m there because I overcame all this stuff. I was a felon. I went to jail. Now, I do well in life.”
 

Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday.
 

“This is the highlight of my day. I love spending time with my family, but I love the opportunity to help somebody who just needs a smile,” she said. “And I think I just want people to know that they’re not less than anybody who’s sitting at home with their family. Some people just have unfortunate circumstances.”
 

If you would like to help during the holidays, visit www.svdplou.org/holidays.