Kroger Celebrates Partnership Ahead of Donut Day 2024
*Major Toni is filmed with her home-made donuts
On Wednesday, May 29, Metro Detroit Area Commander, Major Toni Dorrell and Director -Corporate, Grants, and Foundations Relations, Jonathan Hicks visited Kroger’s St. Clair Shores location to promote our partnership ahead of the 2024 Donut Day next week.
Major Toni came dressed in a hand-made dress that is a replica of the ones worn by Donut Lassies, as well as donuts fried using one of the original WWI recipes. She was interviewed by Kroger officials and given a dozen donuts in honor of the partnership.
The St. Clair Shores Kroger will be donating 60 dozen donuts on Donut Day that will be distributed to first responders, corporate partners, media outlets, and Salvation Army Corps Community Centers to celebrate the annual tradition.
The St. Clair Shores Kroger is also known for being the Red Kettle location that has frequently received a rare 1980 South African gold kruggerand coin during the Christmas season.
“We have a long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army. The red kettle program we do around the holidays is a great program and we love to support that. And this is just one more way we’re partnering together,” said Kroger Associate Communications & Engagement Manager Kevin Rudolph.
*Kroger bakery assistant Alicia Brooks presenting Major Toni a dozen donuts
Though officially established in 1938, National Donut Day goes back as far as 1917, when Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts to provide soldiers with essential supplies, emotional and spiritual support and fresh fried donuts. The treat did more than raise spirits; it brought comfort and a taste of home to those who risked their lives.
The donut now serves as a symbol of the comfort that The Salvation Army provides to those in need, and we recognize those who, like the Donut Lassies, have helped spread that comfort and love.
We at The Salvation Army are grateful for Kroger’s support throughout the year. And we hope Donut Day will serve as a reminder of the hope our services give to those in need.
*Donuts fried by Major Toni following one of the original WWI recipes
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.