HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WSAZ) -- A Marshall University professor's Thanksgiving dinner invitation to his students went viral.
One of his students tweeted out his email message to his students that read, "Students, in the case that any of you do not have somewhere to spend Thanksgiving, I would be honored if you spent it with me and my family. You need not feel awkward about it, you would be treated as family, and you would definitely be filled with good food and joyful heart."
It went on, “I must warn you though, we are loud and laugh a lot. So, if you have nowhere else to go, why be alone when you can be surrounded by people that will love you? Just respond to this email or text me for directions.”
Thanksgiving is a day usually spent with family and friends and being thankful for what you have.
But Bailey knows that not everyone can make it home for the holidays for various reasons.
"Just have a meal with us," Bailey said.
He knows that economic issues or schedules can get in the way of the road home.
"Having a job prevented that student from going home," he said.
But Bailey, who is also a pastor, says this is a normal day for his family and was surprised by the reactions on Twitter.
"I was kind of dumb-founded. You know this is something that we do all the time."
Since 2008, they've hosted many holiday meals for Marshall students, not just for Thanksgiving.
"We just can't stand the thought of anybody being hungry or alone," Bailey said.
They also make meals for Harmony House and help those in need with the church food pantry.
"It's about people and doing what you can for your fellow man," said his wife, Pam Bailey.
Some of these students have become life-long friends.
"We've built some good relationships with the kids over the years," he said.
But Bailey and his family aren't offended when some of the people they invited don't show up.
"A good sign that you know, my class has a place to go," he said.
This Thanksgiving he's grateful for his students, whether they're joining him and his family at the table today or did years ago.
"It really brings joy to my heart," Bailey said.
Because when you're at the Bailey's you're home for the holidays.
This year he and his family hosted three students for dinner.
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