The Salvation Army Celebrates 85th Anniversary of National Donut Day
PITTSBURGH (May 24, 2023) – This year marks the 85th anniversary and celebration of National Donut Day on Friday, June 2. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army, National Donut Day is not only a great excuse to visit your favorite local bakery, but also a reminder of the bravery of The Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies” who joined soldiers on the front lines during World War I.
In 1917, volunteers from The Salvation Army traveled to France and set up makeshift huts to provide soldiers with essential supplies, emotional and spiritual support, and fresh baked donuts. The sweet treat did more than raise spirits; it brought comfort and a taste of home to those who risked their lives. Today, The Salvation Army continues serving on the front lines of our local communities by providing a wide range of programs and services to individuals and families in need. The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division provides care and support to our neighbors in need across 28-counties.
In Pittsburgh, The Salvation Army will deliver 35 dozen donuts, generously provided by Giant Eagle, to veterans at the VA in Aspinwall. Leaders from The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division, the VA of Pittsburgh and members of Giant Eagle’s Veterans Business Resource Group will be on hand to drop off donuts beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 2 at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, located in Aspinwall on Delafield Road. Participating Giant Eagle stores will also be running a sweet deal on a dozen donuts for just $5, June 2 only, while supplies last.
“The Salvation Army has provided hope and help to those in need across the globe and here at home for more than a century,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division, said. “We are proud to continue the tradition of service this National Donut Day by honoring those who have served our country with a sweet token of appreciation.”
To extend the celebration of National Donut Day, The Salvation Army Allegheny Valley is hosting an inaugural Donut Day 5K beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3. The run/walk starts and finishes at The Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Worship and Service Center, in Brackenridge, PA. Visit give.salvationarmy.org/donutday5k to register or to make a donation.
Get the latest updates from The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Click here to download visual assets to accompany media coverage, along with the original “Donut Lassie” recipe.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.