SAN BENITO, Texas -- To those who know AEP Texas employee Victor Gonzales, his latest effort of charity comes as no surprise. Known by his coworkers and friends for his selflessness, Gonzales always finds a way to help his family, friends and strangers at the same time.

This past Thanksgiving, Gonzales, service mechanic at the San Benito Service Center, opened up his heart -- and his wallet -- to help 30 families in need of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“I just like to help those who need it,” said Gonzales. “If I’m in a position to help, I will help.”

A few weeks ago, Gonzales reached out to San Benito Mayor Ben Gomez to identify 30 families in need. These families would be given a turkey with all the sides for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Gonzales purchased and donated the turkeys himself.

Gomez, a parent specialist with the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District’s Family and Community Engagement department, worked with the school district to identify these families.

“I think this is a great idea,” Gomez said. “I spoke to our commission and asked them to donate sides too. It’s great to partner up like this and show the community that we are here to support them and take care of them. It is a great venture and will be very successful. Next year it will be even bigger.”

Of the 30 families, 10 are families of military veterans in the San Benito area.

Gonzales asked his AEP Texas family at the San Benito Service Center to donate side items like green beans, corn, and rolls in order to complete the food baskets and personally deliver the food.

"There are people in need everywhere but this is my community and I wanted to help my community,” Gonzales said.

This is not the first time Gonzales has given of his time to help the community. From helping youth sports teams to friends or family in need of paying medical bills, Gonzales frequently donates his time by firing up his large pit and selling chicken plates.