Jan. 9—CHAMPAIGN — Megan Luu is used to making an impact in her community.
Since arriving in Champaign in 2014, the owner of Elegant Nails Lounge at 2202 S. Neil St. has earned a litany of recognitions for her work to serve those in need.
Until the COVID-19 pandemic began, Luu and her staff provided manicures for local nursing home residents during the holiday season, including those at The Bickford of Champaign.
“We (could not) bring the water to do pedicures, that’s why we just do the manicures for all of the people,” Luu said. “And step up, and we just go and do everything to make them happy.”
Luu has myriad certificates commemorating her support for the likes of the American Heart Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Easterseals and Special Olympics, among other organizations.
It’s been rewarding work for Luu, who moved to Savoy from California and later spent time in Mattoon before moving back to Champaign a decade ago.
Her volunteer work at The Bickford, for example, started because of one of her customers.
“We had a customer come here, and they volunteered over there,” Luu said. “We talked, and (I was) happy to go over there. She set up everything, and we went go and brought the equipment and everything to them.”
And Luu — whose salon boasts a large Christmas tree just beyond its front door — is always eager to find new opportunities to volunteer in the community during the holiday season or otherwise.
“If you have some location, we volunteer,” Luu said. “Just come tell us, and we’ll get set up.”
That includes the possibility of volunteering at places like The Bickford again in the future.
“We told them any time they need, just let us know,” Luu said.