(UNION, NJ) -- National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June, but people may be surprised to learn that donuts do more than simply taste good. They can actually do good, too.
The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army's "Donut Lassies," who made history when they risked their lives to raise spirits and fuel hope by serving thousands of soldiers during WWI, in part by delivering donuts and other sweet treats to those in the war.
In 1917, Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts on the front lines, where they provided essential goods and sweet treats to boost morale. The donut was then, and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort for Americans.
More than a hundred years later, The Salvation Army is still serving on the front lines, now through a wide range of social services for America’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
In celebration of this year’s National Donut Day, donuts were generously provided by Duck Donuts of Green Brook, NJ and handed out to students at The Salvation Army Morristown Corps' Early Childcare Center, which provides a high-quality educational program to preschool children from throughout the Morris County community. In addition to the delicious treats, the students also learned about the history of National Donut Day and created special donut crafts.
To help ensure that The Salvation Army can continue to provide vital services throughout New Jersey, supporters can donate online at www.SalvationArmyNJ.org. Every donation provides help and hope to those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given.
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
