The Salvation Army of MS Gulf Coast Reflects on History of National Donut Day
5/28/24
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Gracie Gibson
(228) 374 – 9110
Gracelyn.Gibson@uss.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army of MS Gulf Coast Reflects on History of National Donut Day
Sweetest Holiday of the Year Highlights “Sugar, Flour, and Courage”
Mississippi Gulf Coast (May 28, 2024) — National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June, but people may be surprised to learn that donuts do more than simply taste good. They can actually do good, too.
The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies,” who made history when they risked their lives to raise spirits and fuel hope by serving thousands of soldiers during WWI, in part by delivering donuts and other sweet treats to those in the war.
In 1917, Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts on the front lines, where they provided essential goods and sweet treats to boost morale. The donut was then and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort for Americans. More than a hundred years later, The Salvation Army is still serving on the front lines, now through a wide range of social services for America’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
“This National Donut Day, as the country celebrates with a sweet treat, we are proud to remember that this tradition started with our very own volunteers more than a hundred years ago,” said Major Jerry Friday, Area Commander. “For us, the donut is a symbol of hope that The Salvation Army provides to those in need.”
In celebration of this year’s National Donut Day on Friday, June 7th from 8AM - 10AM, The Salvation Army is celebrating on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, by delivering donuts to the Armed Forces Retirement Home to honor the residents who have served our country. Donuts were generously provided by Sun Coast Business Supply, Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes, and Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union. Special thanks to The TatoNut Shop in Ocean Springs for supplying these sweet treats.
For more information about National Donut Day or to download the Donut Lassies’ original recipe, visit salarmy.us/DonutDay.
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About The Salvation Army USA
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. 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 is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.