ALEXANDRIA, VA — The 87th annual National Donut Day is quickly approaching, with partnerships and special promotions popping up across the baking industry to celebrate.
The tradition, observed on the first Friday of June, was established by The Salvation Army to honor its volunteers, known as “Donut Lassies,” who provided care and served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
This year, The Salvation Army is partnering with celebrity chef and baker Buddy Valastro to pay tribute to veterans and raise awareness of the holiday’s history. Buddy will distribute donuts at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in New York and debut some at three of his New York bakeries.
“I’m very excited to be with The Salvation Army this Donut Day and use my passion for baking to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans — including my own brother-in-law, Joe Faugno,” he said. “The strength and commitment of Joe and the millions of American veterans like him truly inspire me, and I admire the work The Salvation Army does to support them and their families.”
In addition to Valastro’s efforts, The Salvation Army will organize events in local communities, including:
– Aurora, CO: The Salvation Army will distribute donuts at the VA Hospital and to the Aurora Police Department.
– Dallas: The organization will offer donuts to local veterans at Carr P. Collins Social Service Center, the largest Salvation Army multi-use facility in North Texas.
– Evansville, IN: The Evansville Wartime Museum is hosting a special exhibit from The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum about the Donut Lassies, open to the public through June 16.
– Pittsburgh: The Salvation Army will partner with Giant Eagle stores for donut deals and giveaways. Additionally, Pittsburgh McDonald’s owner operators, in partnership with Krispy Kreme, will provide donuts and McCafe coffee to veterans and staff at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
– San Diego: BakeMark is partnering with The Salvation Army to host its annual Donut Festival aboard the historic USS Midway Museum.
– Santa Monica, CA: With support from Lionsgate, The Salvation Army will host a pop-up event on the Promenade, distributing donuts and donut memorabilia.
– Washington, DC: The Salvation Army and BakeMark will host the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship.
“National Donut Day is a time to remember the lasting impact of a unique piece of history and to honor the heroic men and women who have served our country,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Their courage and dedication to serving others reflect the heart of our mission and inspire the work we do every day in communities across the country.”
