The Salvation Army Traverse City to Celebrate National Donut Day
It’s time for the sweetest day of the year, National Donut Day! As Americans celebrate all the gooey goodness of donuts on June 4, they may not know that, unlike other fun holidays, Donut Day has a deeper meaning.
National Donut Day became a holiday thanks to The Salvation Army’s work during World War I.
National Donut Day History
¨ The Salvation Army started National Donut Day during the Great Depression (1938) as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to The Salvation Army Social Service programs.
¨ National Donut Day commemorates the “donut lassies,” female Salvation Army volunteers who provided writing supplies, stamps, clothes-mending and home-cooked meals, and of course donuts, for soldiers on the front line.
¨ Approximately 250 Salvation Army volunteers provided assistance to American Soldiers in France starting in 1917 during WWI.
¨ After 36 days of steady rain, gloom, and doom, The Salvation Army’s Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance knew they needed to do something to lift the soldier's spirits and give them a taste of home and comfort. With limited resources, from the simple ingredients, they had flour, sugar, lard, baking powder, cinnamon, and canned milk the donut found its place on the front line being fried in frying pants and even soldier’s helmets.
This year, to celebrate National Donut Day, The Salvation Army of Traverse City will commemorate the historical day, by distributing donuts to local heroes including Coast Guard personnel, Police, Fire, and EMS.
“With the support of Meijer, we are happy for the opportunity to share our gratitude and National Donut Day with our community military, and first responders who sacrifice their health and lives to protect and serve our communities and country,” said Lieutenant Matthew Winters.