The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia Honors Local Heroes During “Donut Week of Hope”
The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia celebrated National Donut Day by distributing 16 dozen fresh donuts, snacks and moments of connection to local veterans and Philadelphia police during its first Donut Week of Hope.
The multi-day initiative, held June 1–5, expanded the annual observance into a week of veteran-focused outreach across the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, and at Philadelphia Police District Headquarters. Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers visited multiple locations to distribute donuts from Federal Donuts, snacks from Herr’s and spend time with veterans and police officers while sharing the history behind National Donut Day.
“National Donut Day is rooted in The Salvation Army’s history of showing up for people with comfort, care and connection,” said Captain Benjamin Lyle, Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia. “This year, we are honored to carry that legacy forward by spending time with Philadelphia veterans and police and thanking them for their service.”
Outreach efforts included visits to the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System's Northeast Philadelphia Veterans Center, flagship hospital the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, its West Philadelphia VA Clinic, and its Community Resource & Referral Center. In addition to in-person outreach, The Salvation Army shared educational content on social media throughout the week, highlighting the origins of National Donut Day and the legacy of the Donut Lassies.
“Donuts bring people together, and we can’t think of a better reason than honoring those who have served,” said Lauren Correia, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Federal Donuts. “We’re proud to support The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia and the meaningful impact they make in our community every day.”
Outreach activities concluded on Friday, June 5, with visits to the Community Resource & Referral Center and the West Philadelphia VA Clinic, an outpatient facility that serves approximately 60 veterans and provides general medical care and specialty services. The Salvation Army distributed 11 dozen fresh donuts during the visit. Watch 6 ABC coverage of the distribution here!
“We are grateful for organizations like The Salvation Army that help create meaningful moments of connection and appreciation for our Veterans,” said Karen Flaherty-Oxler, RADM USN (ret), Executive Medical Center Director of the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System. “These simple acts of kindness remind our Veterans that their local communities and this Nation are grateful for their sacrifice.”
Donuts distributed during the week were accompanied by chips donated by Herr’s as part of the company’s 80th anniversary thank-you initiative. Throughout the summer, Herr’s is distributing more than 80,000 bags of snacks to nonprofit organizations across the region.
A Tradition of Service
National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday in June, was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the “Donut Lassies,” a group of nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers who traveled to the front lines during World War I.
The volunteers provided soldiers with clothing, supplies, hot meals, and emotional support. They also served donuts as a simple reminder that the soldiers had not been forgotten. Their efforts helped popularize the donut in the United States when troops returned home.
More than a century later, The Salvation Army continues to carry forward that same spirit of service. Across Greater Philadelphia, the organization supports individuals and families facing hardship through housing programs, food assistance, anti-human trafficking services, youth programs, family support, and other community-based resources.
To learn more about The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia and its local programs, visit www.SAPhilly.org. Follow @salarmyphilly on Facebook and Instagram for additional updates.