02 June 2016

The Salvation Army in Kent County is celebrating the 79th annual National Donut Day on Friday, June 3 by giving away 2,000 free donuts with our event sponsor, Krispy Kreme. The Salvation Army Action Group will be distributing individual donuts to the public at various Grand Rapids downtown locations from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

The Salvation Army is widely credited with popularizing the donut by feeding Allied soldiers the tasty confection on the front lines in France during World War I.  

National Donut Day was first celebrated in Chicago in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of The Salvation Army ‘Donut Lassies’ who served soldiers during World War I. The first Friday in June each year marks an important date in American food history and raises awareness for the critical services that The Salvation Army provides to those in need each day.  

“In Kent County, over 5,000 households received emergency food assistance last year – so there’s no better way to highlight our work than by celebrating a great American food,” said Major Norman Grainger, Kent County Coordinator. “While everyone enjoys a donut during Donut Day, we hope they’ll also think about giving back to our neighbors in need,” Major Grainger added.

Locally, The Salvation Army provides vital human services to those in housing crisis, assistance with utility and other critical expenses, rehabilitation for those struggling with addictions, recreational and character building programs for youth and adults along with a variety of programs offered to Kent County residents every day.

Those who wish may support National Donut Day and other local initiatives by sending financial gifts directly to The Salvation Army, 1215 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-3849, by calling 616.459.3433 or by texting SALDONUTDAY to 41444. 

Tags: Holland, WMNI