The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland honors Frontline Workers

Jun 4, 2021

Cleveland, OH (June 4th, 2021) – The Salvation Army’s National Donut Day is a long-standing tradition to honor the women, nicknamed “Donut Lassies”, that served troops fighting on the frontlines of World War I. It is in that spirit The Salvation Army is carrying on this legacy by paying homage frontline workers caring for veterans.

Today, June 4th on National Donut Day, Majors Thomas and Kathleen Applin delivered over 15 dozen donuts to the healthcare workers at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, located at 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland. The donuts were donated by Giant Eagle as part of an annual community partnership.

“The frontline workers at the Cleveland VA have worked tirelessly over the last year to provide care for our area veterans. We hope that this small gesture of donuts will express our gratitude for their work and dedication, while bringing some sweetness and smiles into their busy days,” stated Major Thomas Applin, Divisional Secretary of Greater Cleveland Area Services.

The Salvation Army has a long-standing relationship with the Louis Stokes Medical Center. They provide services to the residents such as pastoral care, and items like hygiene kits, socks, and gifts during the holidays. As visitation opportunities open back up, The Salvation Army looks forward to interacting with the veterans once again.

Giant Eagle is supporting The Salvation Army efforts on National Donut Day for Advantage Card members purchasing a dozen donuts.

National Donut Day was originally established to honor The Salvation Army’s work to serve soldiers in France during World War I. Nearly 250 volunteers traveled overseas to provided emotional and spiritual support, baked goods, clothes, and supplies to troops. The “Donut Lassies” fried donuts in small pan, and in some cases helmets, to boost morale of U.S. soldiers and are credited with popularizing the donut in the United State when the troops returned home from war.