A woman was honored Saturday for two decades of service to the greater Norwalk community.

Jessie McGarty founded the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon, which provides a free holiday meal for people in need.

Last weekend marked its 20th year – all of which is made possible by volunteers and donations.

McGarty said it feels great to be recognized for doing what she loves the most.

“It's really nice just to take a moment and reunite with the people that you care about and with your community, and even strangers,” she says.

McGarty dedicated the honor to "Chicken" Joe Marini and Joe Kaliko of Greenwich. She says they make the annual event possible "through their hard work and generous donations."