A restaurant owner in Dallas, Texas makes it her duty to give back to the less fortunate every Monday even if that means closing down her shop for a day to paying customers.
Paulette Johnson owns Trucker’s Cafe in South Dallas and fulfills her purpose by helping others.
The chef serves a tray of food along with clothes, shoes and personal care toiletries. Johnson told WFAA that shutting down her restaurant once a week to help the homeless is an honor and she wants them to leave hopeful.
Barbara Jameson who visits Trucker’s Cafe on Mondays said, “I just feel blessed that somebody is out here to care, people like us.”
Johnson told the news source that she’s extremely grateful to be in the position to aid others who are in need.
“My heart just flooded, there’s no word, I just feel good… I been aching all day in the morning, feet everything, dealing with my health, but once I see these guys, all that goes away,” the Dallas owner said.
“I just thank God for waking me up, do what I do today. Because I know people out here struggling every day,” Johnson said, through tears. “It’s still hard for me, but I’m just worried about everybody that I could help. It’s just me, and if I can help and put smiles on people’s face, that’s all I need,” Johnson added.
The Trucker’s Cafe owner said she learned to cook by growing up in a women’s shelter and thanks “God” for being able to give back to others.
“I know people out here struggling every day,” Johnson said with tears rolling down her cheeks. “It’s still hard for me, but I’m just worried about everybody that I could help. It’s just me, and if I can help and put smiles on people’s face, that’s all I need.”
Captain Jack Watson who used to be homeless at one point was invited to swing by and sang at Johnson’s restaurant on Monday. He told the news outlet, “Just hug them and inspire them and let them know, somebody up there still cares, still loves… Never look down on anybody because you never know, the next day that person might be up, and I’m a living example.”
The restaurant is located on 1910 Martin Luther King, Blvd, Dallas, Texas and is open from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays for those in need of a meal. If you’d like to volunteer or donate you may stop by Tucker’s Cafe during lunch hours.