Salvation Army and Clyde’s Donuts Celebrate Donut Day
Donut Day is upon us again, so its time to celebrate the sweet treats with a special meaning.
Donut Day recognizes the special Salvation Army Donut Lassies who served coffee and donuts to soldiers in the trenches during World War I. Rations were poor and warfare was so stressful that the donut was conceived as a means of bringing the soldiers cheer. The Lassies also offered comfort and spiritual aid, as well as paper, envelopes and stamps so the mend could write home. The Salvation Army continued to serve the donuts and provide care to American soldiers during World War II.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Donut Day, which was started right here in Chicago as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression. The unofficial holiday is celebrated on the first Friday in June.
To celebrate the spirit of the big anniversary, the Army has teamed up with Clyde’s Donuts, a legendary bakery in Addison, Illinois. For 98 years, 
the bakery has made and provided a variety of donuts and baked goods to local grocery stores and restaurant in the Chicagoland area and beyond. If you’ve grabbed a donut hole or a glazed pastry from a Jewel-Osco or other grocery store, you’ve certainly enjoyed a Clyde’s Donut!
On Donut Day, The Salvation Army works to raise awareness and support for its services to those in need, including providing shelter, food, early childhood education, after-school programming, emergency disaster recovery, human trafficking, music education, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation and more.
You can celebrate with us! Learn more and see a list of our Donut Day events. Also, be sure to check us out on WGN TV’s Around Town on Tuesday, May 29 and ABC 7’s 11 a.m. news on Friday, June 1.