ODESSA, Texas — It may not be Thanksgiving just yet, but that doesn't stop some people from hosting Thanksgiving dinners already.
This includes Jesse Porras and the American Legion Post 430.
Porras has been hosting his free Thanksgiving dinner for the community for a decade now.
“This is my tenth year, it’s been a blessing. I’ve seen different folks come in here... Everybody sponsoring, helping, volunteers from Permian ROTC, volunteers from elderly people cooking food for me. I mean it’s been a blessing.” said Porras.
His friends and family also come out to help make the community dinner happen.
But just like how organizing the event itself brings all sorts of people together, Porras wants the dinner itself to do the same and bring everyone in the community together.
“Come out together, share a meal with your friends and loved ones because you never know when they’re not going to be around," Porras continued. "Always tell them you love them, and you want to be with them and support what they do. And I ask you in return, this is what I do for you. Get together, be one.”
He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“And if God keeps me here, we’re going to do it another ten more years.” he added.