Donut Day 2011
(Alexandria, VA) June 3, 2011 – The Salvation Army is hosting multiple events nationwide to celebrate the 73rd annual National Doughnut Day. With a variety of programs, including free doughnut giveaways and national partnerships, the Army hopes to raise awareness of the continued need for Americans to support their fellow neighbor.
"Every year on National Doughnut Day, The Salvation Army asks the public to remember those less fortunate who struggle to make ends meet. The need is even greater now when so many are recovering from the tragic storms throughout the United States,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “So we ask everyone who enjoys a tasty doughnut today, to take a minute and consider ways to give back in their community."
The first National Doughnut Day was celebrated by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to help raise needed funds during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of the “doughnut lassies” who helped make the doughnut what it is today by feeding the tasty confection to American soldiers. Among those honored were Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance who came up with the idea of frying doughnuts in soldiers’ helmets near the front lines as a quick treat. The doughnuts became synonymous with The Salvation Army, as well as the American soldiers who were returning home with the nickname, “doughboys.”
Since that time, the first Friday in June has marked an important date in American food history and helps raise awareness for the critical services that The Salvation Army provides to 30 million Americans in need each year.
“No matter one’s age – young or old – everyone loves doughnuts,” said Major Hood. “Doughnuts have been America’s sweet treat for years, and they help represent the critical services The Salvation Army provides to America’s neediest.”
In addition to clothing, shelter and financial assistance, The Salvation Army provides some 64 million meals, including doughnuts, to millions of Americans each year. Even during a disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake or flood, the Army provides coffee and doughnuts to survivors and emergency responders who need support during a critical time.
