This Friday, June 6, is the 87th National Donut Day. The nation celebrates this sweet holiday on the first Friday in June each year.
The tradition was created by the Salvation Army to honor the organization’s volunteers, known as “Donut Girls,” who provided care and donuts to soldiers during World War I.
To celebrate National Donut Day this year, the Salvation Army is teaming up with celebrity chef, baker, star of the hit TV show “Cake Boss,” and owner of Carlo’s Bakery, Buddy Valastro.
Through the partnership, Valastro will honor veterans by raising awareness of the history of Donut Day and distributing donuts at a Veterans Affairs hospital in New York City.
He will also debut the donuts at three New York-area bakeries, with plans to roll them out across the board this fall.
“I am so excited to join the Salvation Army on this Donut Day and use my passion for baking to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans – including my brother-in-law, Joe Fogno,” said Valastro.
“I am deeply inspired by the strength and dedication of Joe and millions of American veterans like him, and I admire the work the Salvation Army does to support veterans and their families.”
The Salvation Army is organizing events in local communities, including:
Aurora, Colorado – The Salvation Army will distribute donuts at the VA Hospital and the Aurora Police Department.
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys will join the Salvation Army in distributing donuts to local veterans at the Carl P. Collins Social Services Center, the largest Salvation Army multi-purpose facility in North Texas.
Evansville, Indiana – The Evansville Wartime Museum is hosting a special exhibit on the Donut Girls at the Salvation Army Central Territory Museum, which is open to community residents through June 16.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Salvation Army is partnering with Giant Eagle stores for a donut promotion and giveaway. Additionally, Pittsburgh McDonald’s owners are teaming up with Krispy Kreme to offer donuts and McCafé® coffee to veterans and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System staff.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — BakeMark is partnering with The Salvation Army to host its annual Donut Festival at the historic USS Midway Museum.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With support from Lionsgate, The Salvation Army will host a pop-up event on the Promenade to give away donuts, mini donut squeezers, keychains and more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Salvation Army and BakeMark will host the World Donut Contest on National Donut Day.
“National Donut Day is a day to remember the lasting impact of a unique history and to honor the heroic men and women who served our country,” said Commissioner Mel Schitwall, National Commander of The Salvation Army.
Their courage and dedication to serving others embodies the core of our mission and continues to inspire our work every day in communities across the country.”
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