National Donut Day Decorating Contest
On the first Friday of June, America celebrates the goodness of donuts...but did you know National Donut Day is rooted in doing good? That's right, National Donut Day, the sweetest holiday in the world, was cooked up by The Salvation Army!
The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to not only help those struggling during the Great Depression, but to also commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies in World War l. So...what are Donut Lassies?! Let's start at the beginning.
In 1917, The Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for soldiers fighting in WWI. Nearly 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies, and of course, baked goods. Donut Lassies discovered baked goods were difficult to bake due to the conditions of the huts and limitations of supplies, so, they began frying donuts in soldiers' helmets! Donut Lassies are often credited with popularizing the donut in the United States.
These tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers! The donut now serves as a symbol of comfort that The Salvation Army is there to help and serve wherever they are called.
To celebrate National Donut Day, our five Boys & Girls Clubs participated in the inaugural Donut Day Decorating contest! The theme was "art" and these kids creativity did not disappoint! The Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club took home the grand prize for the most creative donuts and won a delicious lunch provided by our Emergency Disaster Services Canteen + snow cone food truck!
This was a fun way to celebrate the sweetest day!