Cambridge restaurant needs help to continue tradition of free Christmas meals
Posted Dec 13, 2021 05:25:00 PM.
For the last six years, Wuddup Dog in Cambridge has prepared and served Christmas meals for those in need.
This year, the restaurant hopes to continue the tradition and is asking for help to make it another success.
“Restaurants have taken a huge hit this year. Food costs and gas prices have skyrocketed, and sales everywhere have plateaued,” says owner of Wuddup Dog, Todd Johns.
“These last two years have been brutal on people’s businesses. Everyone across the board is struggling and trying to find a sense of normalcy, whatever that even is anymore.”
But despite the challenges during the pandemic, Johns is determined to bring his traditional Christmas dinners to those that need them most.
Wuddup Dog invites anyone to come to the restaurant on Dec. 25 from 4-8 pm for a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
“I’m a firm believer that you can't accomplish anything if you're starving,” Johns said.
“We serve about 300 to 400 meals every Christmas. It’s a traditional Christmas dinner with mashed potatoes and all the fixings. We make it all ourselves,” Johns said.
Johns says grocery store gifts cards are appreciated, particularly Wal Mart gift cards because the store will price match.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so either by email transfer to wuddupdogcambridge@gmail.com, the Wuddup Dog Facebook page, or a GoFundMe page here
The GoFundMe page was set up by former Wuddup Dog employee, Cheyenne Mason-Mitchell.
“It’s important to keep this tradition going because anyone can get a free Christmas meal who may not have access to one. And with the pandemic leaving most in financial trouble, most may not be able to afford one this year. Over the last few years, I’ve seen how this brings everyone together,” Mason-Mitchell said.
“Todd would put Christmas movies on and serve dinner, hot chocolate, tea and other hot drinks. Seeing everyone look so happy, I would just hate to see it end because he can’t afford to keep it going.”
Last year, other local businesses joined in and helped deliver approximately 300 free meals.
This year, again due to the pandemic, there will be no dine-in in available, but meals will be packed up to go.
Johns first began his business with a hot dog cart 17 years ago. The brick and mortar location has been operating for seven years.
“And that was the first year we began offering Christmas dinners. I know for a lot of people, Christmas can be a very lonely time,” Johns said.
“We really want to keep this going this year. This is for anyone who needs a meal at Christmas.”
