2008-06-03 A Day for Doughnuts

These sweet treats are a reminder to give.

In August 1917, World War I raged in northern France. American soldiers gathered their camps, trying to keep warm in the cold rain. Nearby female volunteers from the Salvation Army friend doughnuts in steel helmets for th soldiers. More than just a hot snack, the doughnuts was a sweet reminder of the comfort and safety of home.

Putting a sweet tooth to good use
Jump to 1938. To raise much-needed funds at the end of the Great Depression, the Chicago Salvation Army named the first Friday in June "Donut Day" On that day, free doughnuts were handed out on the streets of Chicago. With each doughnut came the chance to donate money to those who are less fortunate. This special day also honored the "lassies" who had served doughnuts to thousands of American soldiers during World
War I.

Seventy years of charity
Today,June 3, is the 70th anniversary of that first Donut Day! And you can still get free doughnuts at locations worldwide on the first Friday in June. With each treat comes an opportunity to contribute to the good work of the Salvation Army.