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Our History
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Topeka, Kansas is the longest running standalone community Thanksgiving Dinner served on Thanksgiving day each year. Having started in 1968, we aim to continue providing this wonderful service to our community for years to come.
Our Mission
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation strives to provide a warm and inviting meal for the Thanksgiving holiday to the community and surrounding area so no one need dine alone.
In the News
Thanksgiving dinner is a time to come together
Considered one of the largest and longest-running community Thanksgiving dinners in the nation, the meal traces its roots to 1968, when Myron Johnson’s mother, Pauline, and the late Addie Spicher founded the dinner at the former East Topeka United Methodist Church.
Topeka Community Thanksgiving Dinner set for 55th year
Pauline Johnson, who founded the program with the late Addie Spicher at the former East Topeka United Methodist Church, stepped down from her leadership position about two decades ago, though she remained involved in the dinner through its 50th year in 2017.
Looking for ways to help out?
We would love to hear from you.
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner wouldn’t have lasted as long as it did without the generosity of kind souls in Topeka and throughout Northeast Kansas. Whether you’d like to volunteer with us on Thanksgiving Day or donate in other ways, we’d love to have your help!
Our Sponsors and Affiliates
