#USA #Salvation Army #National Donut Day #Buddy Valastro

Buddy Valastro Partners with the Salvation Army for National Donut Day

On June 5th, the Salvation Army invites the nation to come together and honor the spirit and resilience behind National Donut Day, a tradition initiated in 1938. This special day commemorates the "Donut Lassies," the brave women volunteers who provided comfort and fresh donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness can create joy and positivity in the world.

To mark this occasion, renowned chef and baker Buddy Valastro, best known for his hit show "Cake Boss" and owner of Carlo's Bakery, is collaborating with the Salvation Army. Valastro aims to celebrate the history of National Donut Day while honoring today’s heroes—our veterans. He will distribute donuts to veterans in New York City as a gesture of gratitude for their service to the nation. "National Donut Day is all about bringing people together and spreading joy, which I truly believe baking can achieve," Valastro said. "I am proud to partner with the Salvation Army for this celebration, especially for their incredible work supporting veterans and military families. Being able to share donuts and take a moment to honor the sacrifices that veterans, including my brother-in-law, Joe Faugno, have made means a lot to me."

The celebration doesn’t stop in New York. Carlo's Bakery will supply donuts for veterans at various Salvation Army events across the country. Here are some notable initiatives that will take place:

• - Jersey City, New Jersey: The Jersey City Salvation Army Corps will distribute donuts to veterans at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) facilities with mobile canteen units.

• - Las Vegas, Nevada: The Southern Nevada Salvation Army will hold an event at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital to deliver donuts to veterans.

• - San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Area Command will distribute donuts to homeless individuals and veterans at the VA hospital with two mobile canteen units.

• - Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Twin Cities Salvation Army will serve donuts to first responders and veterans at the VA hospital.

Alongside these events, the Salvation Army will also conduct its traditional community initiatives nationwide to recognize the bravery and commitment of veterans through select events, including:

• - Cincinnati, Ohio: The Kentucky Northeast Division of the Salvation Army will deliver donuts at the VA hospital in Cincinnati.

• - Knoxville, Tennessee: The Knoxville Area Command will share donuts and spend time with veterans at the Ben Atchley State Veterans Home.

• - San Diego, California: The Salvation Army will hold its third annual National Donut Festival on the historic USS Midway Museum.

• - Washington, D.C.: The National Capital Area Command will host the World Donut Eating Championship in celebration of National Donut Day.

The origins of National Donut Day trace back to World War I. In 1917, a group of officers and female volunteers from the Salvation Army went to France to set up campaign bases near the front lines to support American troops. Operating from makeshift cabins, these women, known as the Donut Lassies, provided emotional and spiritual support, essential supplies, and freshly made donuts. These delicious treats quickly became symbolic of comfort and joy for the soldiers.

When soldiers returned home, the Donut Lassies were largely credited with helping to popularize donuts across the United States. In 1938, the Salvation Army in Chicago established National Donut Day to honor the service of the Donut Lassies and to raise funds for those struggling during the Great Depression.

Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of the Salvation Army, stated, "The story of the Donut Lassies is one of extraordinary bravery. The women who traveled to the front lines of a world war showed compassion and courage. On this 88th National Donut Day, we honor their remarkable legacy alongside the veterans who have served this nation, reminding ourselves to carry that same spirit of joyful service to every community we serve."

To join the Salvation Army in celebrating National Donut Day and to learn more or view the original Donut Lassies recipe, click here.

About the Salvation Army

In 2025, the Salvation Army assisted over 28 million people in the United States to overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships while preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, the Salvation Army performs the largest humanitarian work across its over 7,400 centers nationwide. To learn more, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.