Sandwich Saturday event in Syracuse helps those in need

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The 8th annual We Rise Above The Streets Sandwich Saturday, held on May 25, has come a long way since its first event in 2015.

“I started with one grill, a couple people came. The next year two or 3 three and a tent, and now, we own about 5 grills, huge tents and a lot of sponsors from everywhere all over Central New York,” said Al-Amin Muhammad, the founder of We Rise Above The Streets.

The City of Syracuse only charged Muhammad $1 to use the location at Seymour and West Onondaga Street.

“They know how important this organization and this work is, and the people that we’re saving and the lives that we are, so they just said, ‘Hey give me a dollar,’” said Muhammad.

The event included a cookout, free haircuts, a giveaway of essential clothing items, a foot washing station and more, all in an effort to meet the needs of those struggling within the local community.

“There’s a serious need for socks and clothes and shorts and things like that, and being able to give those things out and provide for those needs helps us remember that,” David Tabing, a volunteer, said.

Saturday’s event is a crucial part of bringing this community together, and for those involved, it sends a message of love.

“It’s not just about doing good things or having a paper sign that signifies we’ve served the community, but it’s about the heart behind the matter,” Tabing said.

Click here to learn more about We Rise Above The Streets and its work.

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