The first Friday in June is America’s sweetest holiday – National Donut Day. Celebrated on June 7 this year, The Salvation Army is, in fact, the inspiration behind its founding and why it is celebrated today.

In 1917, The Salvation Army’s brave volunteers traveled to France during World War I to bring critical supplies and provide meaningful spiritual and emotional support to the soldiers who were risking their lives on the front lines. The volunteers were nicknamed “Donut Lassies” for the donuts they fried and served to thousands. Not only were the sweet treats delicious, but they also boosted morale and offered a sense of comfort to homesick soldiers.

In 1938, The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Donut Day in Chicago as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies, who brought much-needed hope in a time of darkness.

Now, over 80 years later, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services and programs to vulnerable communities in nearly every ZIP code. In Southeast Kentucky, The Salvation Army helps nearly 2,000 people each year through Christmas assistance, food assistance, clothing distribution and more.

“National Donut Day is a special holiday for us and serves as a reminder of the brave work we do every day for the good of our neighbors,” said Captain Carrie McCall, Corps Officer in Middlesboro. “We are proud to be a part of the nation’s largest nongovernmental provider of social services and help the Southeast Kentucky community.”

The Salvation Army of Southeast Kentucky plans to celebrate Donut Day on Friday by distributing donuts to first responders in Middlesboro and Pineville. For more information about National Donut Day or to download the Donut Lassies’ original donut recipe, visit  https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/national-donut-day/.

To learn more about The Salvation Army of Southeast Kentucky and get involved, please visit www.SalvationArmyMiddlesboro.org or call (606) 248-1278.

 

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 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 nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood