Icing on the Donut
In addition to educating the public about National Donut Day and the incredible story behind that part of The Salvation Army’s rich history, this year’s celebration in Davidson County, North Carolina, had an even more special purpose, according to the mayor of Lexington, Jason Hayes.
“The Salvation Army consistently meets an incredible need to feed others throughout the year,” Mayor Hayes says, further citing the Army’s plans for an upcoming 2,000 square-foot expansion of the kitchen and dining room to augment the corps’ mission and ministry. The project includes a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, enabling Salvation Army volunteers to double the capacity for daily feeding.
“Of course, it’s important for the public to know about the Army’s history with the donuts going back to World War I, but also about the Army’s presence in Davidson County through ministries all year.” Anything above that, including the planned expansion and inter-agency operation, he says, “is icing on the donut!”
The expansion is a key component of a three-agency master plan for Davidson County, with DC First Hope building a shelter next door to the corps, and DC Connect serving as a clearinghouse.
“For the Army’s part, we will be entirely responsible for three hot meals a day, seven days a week,” explains Major Ray Morton, corps officer.
For this National Donut Day celebration, managers and employees of the Food Lion area stores served a breakfast of donuts and fruit. Volunteers were also busy sorting and restocking the corps food pantry.
“Feeding the community is all we do,” says Food Lion Assistant Manager Jon Martin, “whether it’s in retail or through regular donations to The Salvation Army for their daily soup kitchen.” Meats, vegetables, and other staples will continue to be key elements in the expanded ministry. John Frank has been an advisory board member for nine years. He knows the populous very well and is convinced that this “is exactly what our community needs!”
The Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Wallace, agrees, adding that this annual event “is the biggest thing to draw people to The Salvation Army and for the Army to get their message out about its history as well as the upcoming ministry expansion.”
For those not wanting a full breakfast, Seth Ryals, Red Donuts manager, brought his trailer out to serve his piping hot confections in the corps parking lot.
Other advisory board members, community leaders, and volunteers were also on hand for the drop-in event. One of them was Janise Hurley, a board member who did not seem surprised at the Army’s commitment to keep up with the county’s growing need—whether it is as simple as a donut and cup of coffee, or thrice-daily hot meals for families and individuals in need.
“I’ve lived all over the U.S., and wherever we lived we’ve volunteered for The Salvation Army, Doing The Most Good, regardless of economic status—and to show the love of Christ,” she says.
“After all, that is what we’re all about!”