Dedham restaurant helping those in need while trying to stay open

DEDHAM — A Dedham restaurant is doing what it can right now to stay open but also help those in need.

The bar is empty and takeout is n ow the only option at the Midway restaurant, a fixture in Dedham since 1946.

Kristina Flynn says takeout helps keep the staff working.

“Being part of this community has been really important to them,” Flynn said.

Then someone donated a gift card.

“That’s awesome, but I really didn’t know what to do with that,” Flynn said.

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But she and her mom soon figured it out. They posted gift certificates and cards to a board.

“If anyone wants to come in they can come take one off the board… no questions asked. And it’s blown up!” Flynn said.

In fact, so many people donated, but few took any. So they are sharing some with those in need in the community.

"My next step was going to donate it to the Pine Street Inn," Flynn said.

The Boston homeless shelter is thrilled.

“They were overjoyed… they were so thankful that we thought of them.” Flynn said.

Her father said this pandemic means we all need to pull together.

“Everybody has to help everybody right now. It’s very important to give back to our customers who have been so loyal to us and the town that’s been so loyal to us,” said Bob Jenks, owner of Midway restaurant.

So the board will stay up, as a place to donate or take a gift card from supermarkets, drug stores or just for a meal at the Midway, as long as there’s a need.

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