PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Over 100 people were able to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal thanks to a nonprofit that stays open every day of the year.
The Hospitality Center in Port Arthur was filled with smiling faces and laughter that echoed throughout the dining hall on Thanksgiving.
"I love working here, I love being here, I love the people here," said Hospitality Center Director Christina Green.
120 residents eagerly waited for the doors of the nonprofit to open on Thanksgiving Day.
"It's a great feeling knowing that we're feeding, clothing and just taking care of them," Green said.
The Hospitality Center is one of the few nonprofits in Southeast Texas open seven days a week, 365 days of the year, according to Green.
"We are here rain or shine, we are here. It's just another day," said Green.
Just another day of making retirees, those experiencing homelessness or people wanting company feel special as they sit down to enjoy their meals.
"We started Sunday taking turkeys out. I had families come in yesterday to prepare sides," Green said.
She wouldn't be able to do any of this without her 30 volunteers, past and present.
"This is our memory tree for the past 35 years the center has been open. And unfortunately I will have to update a couple of names. Everything always works out but we do need more volunteers, more cooks," said Green.
16-year-old Joshua Levertte is stepping up to fill the need. He's been volunteering since he was 12-years-old.
"My dad he was coming here about six months before me. I think he started on Thanksgiving Day and I started on Christmas or New Year's," Levertte said.
The father and son duo work side by side almost every Sunday for a cause much bigger than them.
"I enjoy the friendship. I've met a lot of amazing people. I just feel like I have to stay and do my part," said Levertte.
Green tells 12News she's lost about three volunteers this year and she will take as many as she can get.