Friday, June 2nd is National Donut Day, a day that was set aside back in 1938 to celebrate the sugary confection comprised of fried dough and adorned with a variety of sweet toppings. It was also created to honor the brigade of Salvation Army “donut lassies,” who served up donuts, coffee and memories of home to soldiers near the front lines of World War I.
This year’s 85th anniversary celebration will also honor those who have diligently worked to make our community a better place. This Friday, Salvation Army officers and staff will be out delivering the delightful pastries to first responders as a thank you for their service to the community. Several Salvation Army mobile feeding vehicles will participate in the distribution effort as well.
Delivery stops will include fire stations, police precincts, EMS providers, government associates, and other partners who respond to urgent needs within the communities they serve.
Many of the donuts being distributed during this year’s Donut Day recognition are being donated, thanks to a partnership with Twin Cities’ Cub stores.
National Donut Day began in 1938 as a tribute to The Salvation Army’s “donut lassies”—a group of 250 women volunteers who helped serve American soldiers in France during World War I. Tasked with providing food and boosting the morale of servicemen on the front lines, these women would operate makeshift shelters to hand out food and provide soldiers a place to rest. The favorite item was a doughy delicacy cooked in oil—often in a soldier’s helmet—and then dusted with sugar. The donut ladies are often credited with popularizing the donut in post-war America when the returning “doughboys” sought out these sweet treats.
“Certainly, National Donut Day is a celebrated part of The Salvation Army’s history,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “It’s also an opportunity to show our appreciation to the many everyday heroes and first responders who work selflessly to help others in times of great need.”
Historic “photo lassie” photos and past Donut Day photo/video resources are available for download here, as well as a recipe for donuts similar to those served on the front lines of WWI.
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The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
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