SALVATION ARMY CELEBRATES NATIONAL DONUT DAY AT ROCKY HILL DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CONNECTICUT — The Salvation Army kicked off the Donut Day celebration at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill. Donuts were distributed to the veterans housed at the facility. Rocky Hill Mayor Lisa Marotta signed a proclamation recognizing The Salvation Army for its unique and historical support to Veterans and active service members and to say “Thank You” for their service to our country.
"We are truly inspired by what The Salvation Army is doing and we thank them," said Mayor Marotta.
Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs Thomas J. Saadi also spoke, "It doesn't matter your racial background, ethnic background, gender, religion, station in life, that doesn't matter to The Salvation Army. They help all in need."
Also in attendance were members of The Old Guard, a group of retired and semi-retired men dedicated to education, fellowship, and community service.
"As a retired physician, I'd like to thank The Salvation Army for all you have done for my patients during their tough times struggling with dependency, alcohol, and drugs. You've been there many, many times," said Dr. Rolf Knoll, a member of The Old Guard.
Lyman Orchards donated 700 donuts that were distributed to veterans, VA employees, reservists, and active-duty service members on donut day at Newington Veterans Medical Center, Rocky Hill Department of Veterans Affairs, and West Haven Veterans Medical Center.
“Lyman Orchards is proud to be working with The Salvation Army to support our veterans and active service members on National Donut Day,” said John Lyman, Executive Vice President of Lyman Orchards. “What better way to celebrate than with our cinnamon cider donuts, which are voted consistently as Connecticut’s best donuts.”
National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June (June 3rd), 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.
“As the citizens of Connecticut celebrate National Donut Day, we are proud to remember that this fun tradition of sharing a sweet treat and a happy memory started with our very own volunteers over a hundred years ago,” said Major Debra Ashcraft, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Division. “If you ask me, knowing that the day has its roots in the fight for good and serving those on the frontlines makes those pastries taste even sweeter.”
