Over a century later, the doughnut continues to be a symbol of comfort and hope
Some Donut Day history just for you!
Over a century later, the doughnut continues to be a symbol of comfort and hope
On April 6, 1917, the United States joined allies to fight in World War I with over 4 million military personnel. The Salvation Army was there too, to fight for good.
In addition to some Salvation Army officers serving as Chaplains for troops in war, they operated motor ambulances, managed refreshment huts in military camps and provided parcels of food and clothing for combatants. The Salvation Army’s Naval and Military League, now known as Red Shield, also ran an inquiry service helping family and friends find servicemen. All Salvation Army officers played instruments and held regular concerts to entertain troops.
In 1917, Evangeline Booth, daughter of The Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth and the National Commander of The Salvation Army in America, created a National War Board to meet the needs of American Expeditionary Forces. Soon after, on August 22, 1917, Salvationists were sent to Europe from the U.S. to serve food at military camps and in field hospitals.
The refreshment huts in France operated by Salvationists served all manner of food and drink, but troop morale was low, and depression was all too common amongst soldiers. Salvationists decided that some authentic home cooking was needed as a morale boost.
However, supplies were low and there was little ability to procure fresh ingredients in the middle of war. Armed with only flour, sugar, lard, baking powder, cinnamon and canned milk on hand, they decided to make doughnuts. Soon enough, Salvationists were making 9,000 doughnuts a day and soldiers quickly began referring to the Salvation Army lassies who served them as "doughnut girls."
The doughnut girls served as soldiers of God and offered words of comfort and hope to the servicemen who missed the comforts of home and the people there. At The Salvation Army huts, men could bring their uniforms to be darned by Salvationists and their problems to share as a well. While mending clothing, a brief message of hope was offered to the soldiers.
The simple donut soon became a symbol of all The Salvation Army was doing to ease the hardships of the front-line men in war. It was and continues to be a symbol of comfort and hope that The Salvation Army provides to over 23 million lives in need each year.
Since World War I, the donut has also made a lasting cultural contribution to America, where donut shops now serve the decadent treats in too many flavors and combinations of toppings to count.
In 1938, The Salvation Army held the first Donut Day as a fundraiser in Chicago, Illinois, to help those in need during The Great Depression. Thereafter, National Donut Day has been celebrated the first Friday in June each year, to commemorate the work of the “Doughnut Lassies” service in World War I.
Today, The Salvation Army is still fighting the Good Fight to bring comfort and hope to those in need. Battling addiction, homelessness, hunger and hopelessness, The Salvation Army continues to serve Alaskan communities.
In Anchorage, The Salvation Army McKinnell House provides emergency shelter to families with children, Serendipity Adult Day Services provides a safe and active care facility for adults with cognitive and functional impairments, The Salvation Army Older Alaskans Program provides meal delivery services to homebound senior citizens and The Salvation Army Clitheroe Center provides a professional and affordable dual-diagnosis treatment program to those suffering from addiction.
Alaskans can contribute to the services The Salvation Army provides to communities through volunteerism, donations and board service.
We look forward to celebrating National Donut Day with everyone each year and may God continue to bless you and yours!
This story was submitted as an opinion-editorial letter attributed to Anna Woods, board chair of The Salvation Army’s Anchorage Advisory Board. The Salvation Army has been serving Alaskans since 1898 and has a presence in 18 communities throughout the state. More information about The Salvation Army in Alaska can be found on their website at alaska.salvationarmy.org.