TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- The city came together for the 42nd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday.

The free meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, drinks an desert was open to everyone in the community downtown at the Agriculture Hall by the Expocentre.

Pauline Johnson has helped with every dinner and said it's a tradition that allows, "People to enjoy a meal without a price tag."

In the kitchen Tim Lockett, made the almost 700 pounds of mashed potatoes consumed Thursday. Lockett's been on the dinner's board for fifteen years, and said its success is in its invitation to all, “No one need eat alone.”

The afternoon meal was perfect for Linda Wright and her two kids, because she had to work Thursday evening.

“This is the first time I’ve been here,” she said, “It’s really nice the way they bring everything to you, and the food’s pretty good too.”

Kelly Wayner and her family have been volunteering at the dinner for a few years now, and she said it’s become kind of a tradition for them. “It’s a way to give back to the community,” she said.

There were even helpers as young as 6 year-old Eden Vaughn, who came with her father, and was helping hand out drinks to those already seated with their meal.

After still needing three-fourths of the food and supplies less than 48 hours before the dinner on Tuesday Johnson and the other dinner volunteers knew the city would pull through with donations.

“You don’t have to worry, people in Topeka will answer the call when needed.”

The dinner organizers received so much food Wednesday they had two truckloads of boxed and canned goods to give to the Topeka Rescue Mission.