The mutual aid starts its fifth year strong with around fifty volunteers, gaining greater support in the midst of social breakdown.
Dallas Sandwich Sundays, one of the city’s most beloved mutual aid organizations, quietly passed its fourth anniversary at the end of last year. And this year, the group’s starting off efforts in an undeniably sharp groove.
“Since I’ve been a part of DSS, the number of people we serve seems to have grown steadily. Word has truly gotten around on our reliability — rain or shine! I am proud of that as well as the collaboration with other local mutual aid groups that DSS is committed to fostering and nurturing.”
Beginning its fifth year, DSS enjoyed a volunteer boom for its first distribution of 2025. And likewise, many acknowledged that a Trump presidency is always given to spur an interest in mutual aid and community action. The bi-monthly pantry distribution served almost 200 unhoused neighbors last Sunday with the help of around 50 volunteers. Essential clothing items such as heavy coats and sneakers were distributed while food, hygiene products, and other supplies were also shared with neighbors.
Sandwich Sundays’ incredibly important work didn’t start out easy or with as large of numbers though. It began with activists/organizers, with volunteer counts often in the single digits, acting in solidarity with the community to share basic necessities. Becoming a fully organized, regular community event by the end of 2020, one volunteer with the group attributed consistency, the proper distribution of org resources, and compounding experience as the biggest keys to their longevity.
“We started as a small group of friends making sandwiches and it has turned into hundreds of people joining together to serve and befriend a huge population of people.”
Over the last month, a police surveillance tower has been installed at Sandwich Sundays’ regular store location. Organizers were largely unphased, however. After all, this would only be one of many attempts made by the law enforcement/city government to suppress or interrupt mutual aid efforts, according to volunteers. During distribution, periodically, and to a few, dystopically, the tower announced a recorded warning message to command listeners to vacate the private area.
Along with partner organizations like Food Not Bombs Dallas, Say It With Your Chest, and La Canastita, DSS has contributed to even wider efforts to support unhoused residents in preparation for the winter storm approaching North Texas. Shortly after the free store’s completion, volunteers quickly shifted focus to help distribute firewood to residents in need. Organizers were able to dispense three trucks and two SUV’s worth of firewood in a single day.
“I feel really great about the progress. I believe we were in year two when I joined the group, the growth is amazing.”
Recently, DSS posted its wishlist for the neighbors, which includes the most critical items for not only surviving without housing, but ensuring a sense of dignity and relative comfort. Nail clippers, lighters, markers/pens were cited as some of the most overlooked donation items, along with toiletries, allergy meds, and sunscreen. The most needed items though? Tents and tarps.
DSS organizers and volunteers identify genuine dedication, teamwork, and love as other significant drivers of their success and resilience in the passing years. And while nothing lasts forever, the spirit of community and values driven by passion have kept Sandwich Sundays going for years, despite obstacles.
Below is Sandwich Sundays’ wishlist and items may be dropped off at Spinster Records or Zar Wellness’ Carrollton location. Next free store distribution is on Jan. 19th. Additionally, you can support Sandwich Sundays by joining its Patreon.
- Lotion
- Nail Clippers
- Socks
- Backpacks/Bags
- Can Openers
- Soap
- Portable Chargers
- Tents
- Jackets
- Sleeping Bags
- Blankets
- Hot Packs
- Shoes
- Deodorant
- Hats
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Lip Balm
- Shaving Cream
- Razors
- Non-Perishable Foods
