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Nominate An Everyday Hero And Receive a Box of Donuts to Give to Them on National Donut Day

It's National Donut Day and what better way to celebrate than with donuts, of course! We want to help you recognize the heroes in your life by gifting you with a box donuts to recognize your everyday hero for National Donut Day. Here's how it works

  1. Nominate a person to recognize that is making a difference in the community. This can be a first responder, healthcare worker, teacher, church member, neighbor, friend ... any everyday hero doing good in the community.

  2. Register to pick up a box of donuts to gift to this person. With your donuts you will receive a gratitude card to give with your donuts. 

  3. On Friday, June 3, pick up your donuts from your chosen location, and you're off to deliver them.
     
  4. Be sure to snap a photo and share a quick story on social using hash tag #SADonutDay. We would love to read about why you nominated your person to receive a gift of sugary goodness so be sure to tag The Salvation Army North in your post. 
     

Thank you to our sponsors

                                                                                     

 

 

history of donut day 

National Donut Day started in 1938 here in Chicago as a tribute to The Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies” who supported our troops on the front lines during World War I. It is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June.



In 1917, The Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. soldiers fighting in France during WWI. About 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts located near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and, of course, baked goods. After discovering that serving baked goods would be difficult considering the conditions of the huts and the limited rations, two volunteers – Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance – began frying donuts in soldiers’ helmets. These tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers. Nicknamed “Donut Lassies,” the women who served donuts to troops are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when the troops (nicknamed “doughboys”) returned home from war. 



During WWI, Donut Lassies served coffee and donuts to soldiers in the trenches. Donuts were not the reason The Salvation Army workers were in the fighting zones; they were there primarily to give spiritual aid and comfort to the American soldier and his allies. They were there to be a link with home and family. The Salvation Army continued to provide comfort, care and donuts to American soldiers during World War II, and is honored to continue to serve the men and women who have served our nation.

More than a century later, The Salvation Army is still supporting those on the front lines, even when it’s a different kind of battle. If you would like to support the work of The Salvation Army, please consider a gift today.