The Salvation Army Celebrates National Donut Day in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (May 7, 2024) – The first Friday in June is America’s sweetest holiday — National Donut Day. Celebrated on June 7 this year, The Salvation Army is the inspiration behind its founding and why it is still celebrated today.
In 1917, The Salvation Army’s brave volunteers traveled to France during World War I to bring critical supplies and provide meaningful spiritual and emotional support to the soldiers who were risking their lives on the front lines. The volunteers were nicknamed “Donut Lassies” for the donuts they fried and served to thousands. Not only were the sweet treats delicious, but they also boosted morale and offered a sense of comfort to homesick soldiers.
“The Donut Lassies exemplified sacrifice on behalf of others,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division, said. “Their bravery inspires us to continue to proudly serve our neighbors in need across 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania. We look forward to once again marking this sweet occasion in our community.”
In 1938, The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Donut Day in Chicago as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies, who brought much-needed hope in a time of darkness. Now, more than 80 years later, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services and programs to vulnerable communities in nearly every ZIP code.
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 7 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 $6, June 7 only, while supplies last.
To extend the celebration of National Donut Day, The Salvation Army Bradford will host an inaugural Donut Day 5K beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. The run/walk will start and finish at R.E. McDowell Trail near the Kessel Athletic Complex in Bradford, Pa. Funds raised from the Donut Day 5K will help local children have a “sweet” summer at The Salvation Army’s Camp Allegheny. Visit salvationarmywpa.org/donutday5k to register or to make a donation. Click here to download the Donut Lassies’ original donut 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 134 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