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Annual event commemorates Salvation Army ‘lassies’ who served on the front lines
The territory’s 10 divisions are out in communities across the West today—Donut Day—to raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s longstanding service to others.
The connection between the Army and doughnuts dates back to 1917, when Salvation Army “lassies” made the doughy treats for troops on the frontlines of World War I in France. The initial batch of 150 doughnuts was so popular, the lassies were soon producing 9,000 doughnuts a day.
The first National Donut Day was celebrated by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to help raise needed funds during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of the “donut lassies” who helped make the doughnut what it is today by feeding the tasty confection to American soldiers during World War I. The treats became synonymous with The Salvation Army, as well as the American soldiers who were returning home with the nickname, “doughboys.”
Since May, a “Donate for Donuts” adult rehabilitation centers campaign in Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix has raised donations with the help of local radio stations for The Salvation Army at donation drive-throughs. Donors received a free dozen doughnuts.
In Hawaii, The Salvation Army and Regal Bakery in Honolulu sought suggestions for a new doughnut flavor to be unveiled today at the three Regal Bakery locations on Oahu where visitors are receiving a free doughnut and a percentage of sales benefits the Army. The contest winner will receive a dozen doughnuts per month for a year.
Family Stores in Hawaii are offering free coffee and doughnuts to customers today, donated by Wayne Yamaguchi, owner of Love’s Bakery.
In the Golden State Division, The Salvation Army in San Francisco is offering doughnuts and coffee to veterans at the San Francisco Veterans Administration (VA) Clinic. In Monterey, Calif., the Monterey Donut Shop is showcasing The Salvation Army and offering the first 100 customers today a half price discount. In Fresno, Calif., the Army is distributing doughnuts at its Family Services Office, and the Turlock (Calif.) Corps is handing out doughnuts at the Main StrEAT Food Rally street fair.
In the Intermountain Division, Lamar’s Donuts is giving a free doughnut to anyone who makes a donation to The Salvation Army today in Colorado. Salvation Army staff and volunteers are taking doughnuts to the Colorado State Veterans Home to spend time with and thank veterans for their service. In Grand Junction, Colo., The Salvation Army is giving away 55 dozen doughnuts at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center from 9 a.m. until noon.
In the Northwest Division, the Coeur d’Alene Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center and the Donut House in Hayden, Idaho, are partnering to celebrate Donut Day. Every year, Donut House provides a free doughnut to customers, and kettles are set up in the store and a drive-through to accept donations.
The Sierra del Mar Division is observing the occasion in San Diego with lassies passing out doughnuts and coffee at Belmont Park. The local Krispy Kreme Doughnuts donated 50 dozen doughnuts for the event.
The Southern California Division is partnering with BakeMark to celebrate National Donut Day at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In the Southwest Division, The Salvation Army is distributing more than 600 doughnuts—donated by Fry’s Food and Alvernon Donuts—in Tucson, Ariz., at various locations. In Las Vegas, The Salvation Army is partnering with Pink Box Doughnuts.
Across the U.S., The Salvation Army continues to provide comfort with coffee and doughnuts to survivors and emergency responders who need support on the scene of disaster, and serves approximately 60 million meals to Americans each year.
