Happy National Donut Day!
Donuts? Grill Smells? It must be National Donut Day!
For the past two years, The Salvation Army of Benton Harbor has celebrated National Donut Day by delivering donuts to businesses and first responders, passing out donuts, and grilling for the community. Golden Brown Bakery, located in South Haven, Michigan, generously provided the donuts to serve our communities. National Donut Day is a sweet opportunity to serve West Berrien and Van Buren Counties.
In 1917, Salvation Army volunteers started making donuts on the front lines of World War I. Nicknamed “Donut Lassies,” these women are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops (nicknamed “doughboys”) returned home from war. In 1938, the first-ever National Donut Day was celebrated in Chicago, and the history of The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies was officially immortalized. In 1917, the Donut Lassies were sent to France to establish field bases near the front lines. In makeshift huts, thousands of soldiers would come to stock up on essential goods and grab a sweet treat baked by the Lassies. And while supplies for baking were difficult to obtain, two Salvation Army volunteers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance improvised by frying donuts in soldiers’ helmets. Both the presence of these courageous women and the donuts that tasted of home brought a light of hope and happiness to the battlefield – a much-needed morale boost for languishing soldiers. The Salvation Army continues to serve on the front lines through a wide range of social services for the most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you for celebrating one of the sweetest time of the year!
If you would you like to share in The Salvation Army’s mission to Do The Most Good, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or donate to The Salvation Army. Your donations to The Salvation Army of Benton Harbor help us serve the most vulnerable members of your community.
Give by mail: The Salvation Army of Benton Harbor, 233 Michigan Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
Give by phone: (248) 443-5500 - Great Lakes Divisional Headquarters.
