Celebrating National Donut Day in Elkhart
The first Friday in June is America’s sweetest holiday — National Donut Day. Celebrated on June 7 this year, The Salvation Army is, in fact, the inspiration behind its founding and why it is still celebrated today.
In 1917, The Salvation Army’s brave volunteers traveled to France during World War I to bring critical supplies and provide meaningful spiritual and emotional support to the soldiers who were risking their lives on the front lines. The volunteers were nicknamed “Donut Lassies” for the donuts they fried and served to thousands. Not only were the sweet treats delicious, but they also boosted morale and offered a sense of comfort to homesick soldiers.
In 1938, The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Donut Day in Chicago as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies, who brought much-needed hope in a time of darkness.
Now, over 80 years later, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services and programs to vulnerable communities in nearly every ZIP code. In Elkhart, The Salvation Army helps over 10,000 people each year through our Emergency Assistance Services (Food, Utilities and Rent) as well as our Senior Citizen and Youth programs.
“National Donut Day is a reminder of the good in our community,” said Lt. Joshua Hubbard. “As we celebrate with donuts, we remember the donut lassies who served donuts on the front lines of WW I. These women, sought to spread hope in such a dark time for the world however they could. Donuts were the symbols of hope.”
On June 7 corps staff and board members will deliver donuts to key community partners as well as hand out donuts to the public. The community is invited to come to local business, All Things Snacks, 524 S. Main St., Elkhart, where The Salvation Army will be giving away fresh-baked donuts, donated by Meijer, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.