No one should be hungry on Thanksgiving.

St. Peter Roman Catholic Church will celebrate the upcoming holiday by providing free dinners Thursday.

Its annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be served from noon to 1 p.m. at the church hall, 127 Franklin St.

“It’s free, no charge. No donation. No nothing,” dinner coordinator Lori Parkinson said.

More than 800 people were registered between deliveries, takeout and dine-in orders Tuesday, but Parkinson expects more. In previous years, more than 1,000 dinners were served before she lost count.

Hundreds of volunteers spend their holiday preparing and serving these heaping platefuls of turkey, stuffing, green beans and mashed potatoes, all drenched with homemade gravy.

Parkinson has spent 12 years working at the dinners.

“My 11-year-old doesn’t know another way to have Thanksgiving,” she said.

While registration is encouraged, it is not required.

“We take phone calls up to the last minute,” Parkinson said, explaining that there’s no deadline.

Though the dinner is held from noon to 1 p.m., a significant number of meals are delivered or picked up. More than 100 drivers deliver meals before noon. And takeout orders can be picked up at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish from 10 to 11 a.m.

The dinner is supported by community businesses, other organizations and individuals.

To register or volunteer, call 724-427-4153.