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The Salvation Army Celebrates 87th National Donut Day

On June 6, the nation will celebrate the 87th National Donut Day, a sweet holiday established by The Salvation Army to honor its volunteers known as "Donut Lassies." These remarkable women served donuts to troops during World War I, and their legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness and humanitarian service.

A Sweet Tribute to Heroes

The National Donut Day, observed on the first Friday of June every year, is not just about indulging in delicious treats. It serves as a reminder of the selfless service of the Donut Lassies, who provided comfort to soldiers on the front lines, lifting their spirits with freshly fried donuts. Today, the holiday also pays homage to the bravery of our veterans.

To mark this occasion with extra sweetness, The Salvation Army has teamed up with Buddy Valastro, the star baker of the famous show "Cake Boss" and owner of Carlo's Bakery. Valastro will honor veterans by raising awareness about the significance of this day and will personally distribute donuts at a Veterans Affairs hospital in New York City. Additionally, he will introduce his new donut creations at three of his bakeries, available this autumn.

Local Celebrations Across the Country

Local communities are also embracing the spirit of this day by organizing various events:

• - Aurora, Colorado: The Salvation Army will distribute donuts at the Veterans Hospital and Aurora Police Department.
• - Dallas, Texas: The Dallas Cowboys will join forces with The Salvation Army to serve donuts to local veterans at the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center, Texas' largest multi-purpose Salvation Army facility.
• - Evansville, Indiana: The Evansville Wartime Museum will feature a special exhibit on the history of the Donut Lassies until June 16.
• - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Partnerships with Giant Eagle stores will provide donuts, while local McDonald's operators, collaborating with Krispy Kreme, will offer donuts and McCafé® coffee to veterans.
• - San Diego, California: BakeMark will host its annual donut festival aboard the historic USS Midway Museum.
• - Santa Monica, California: Supported by Lionsgate, The Salvation Army will organize a pop-up event on the Promenade, featuring donuts, mini donut shakes, keychains, and more.
• - Washington, D.C.: The Salvation Army and BakeMark will host the World Donut Eating Championship.

The Historical Significance

The origins of National Donut Day date back to 1917, when Salvation Army volunteers went to France to provide support to soldiers during World War I. Operating from makeshift huts near the front lines, these brave women, recognized as Donut Lassies, offered vital supplies, emotional support, and, of course, the beloved donuts that became a symbol of comfort.

In 1938, The Salvation Army established this annual tradition in Chicago to highlight the contributions of the Donut Lassies while raising funds to assist those in need during the Great Depression.

Commissioner Merle Heatwole of The Salvation Army expressed, "The National Donut Day allows us to remember the lasting impact of these remarkable women and honor the heroic men and women who have served our country. Their courage and dedication exemplify the very heart of our mission, inspiring our everyday work in communities nationwide."

Join the Celebration

To partake in the celebration of National Donut Day and learn more about the original recipes used by the Donut Lassies, visit The Salvation Army's official website.

Each year, The Salvation Army assists over 27 million individuals in the United States, tackling issues like poverty and addiction while sharing the message of hope without discrimination. The organization operates across 6,400 centers nationwide, striving to do the most good. Join them in celebrating this meaningful day as we honor our veterans and the sweet legacy of the Donut Lassies.