National Donut Day volunteer activity proves people are wonderful
The Salvation Army’s volunteer event on National Donut Day hasn't even happened yet, and already it is proving an important point: People are wonderful.
So far this week, about 150 volunteers have signed up to deliver a free box of donuts from Cub to those who make a difference in their lives, in celebration of National Donut Day on Friday, June 4.
The 150 volunteers’ reasons for participating are positively heartwarming. Here are some examples:
A father and his daughters are giving donuts to the custodians at a local school. “The custodians went above and beyond to keep the school clean and safe during this crazy year,” the father wrote in his volunteer sign-up.- A woman is giving donuts to the staff at her local Animal Humane Society. “I see how hard they work to give all the animals food, medicine, walks, surgeries, and as much love as possible,” the woman wrote.
- A woman is giving donuts to a man at her church. “He is my hero,” the woman wrote. “He is a full-time firefighter and puts his life on the line for families in the area. In addition, he recently headed the church volunteer team that came into my home and coordinated a mold-removal project.”
- A man is giving donuts to workers at his local grocery store. “They went above and beyond to give good customer service at the beginning of COVID-19,” the man wrote.
- A mother is giving donuts to the staff at a local daycare center. “They hired extra staff to clean so that they could keep the doors open for the kids (during the pandemic),” the mother wrote. “They love our kids like they were their own.”
- A woman is giving donuts to her local police. “They are always friendly, always know just what to do, and always know the right thing to do,” the woman wrote. “I want to use these donuts to speak to them in the name of so many of us who are thankful for them.”
- A man is giving donuts to his neighbor who is a nurse. “She’s always working hard on the frontlines of medical care,” the man wrote. “I know she loves donuts so this will be a perfect way of thanking her and honoring her.”
More volunteers needed
The Twin Cities Salvation Army needs a total of 1,000 volunteers to help us celebrate National Donut Day on Friday, June 4.
Those who volunteer have one simple task: Deliver a free box of donuts to a neighbor, teacher, veteran, first responder, church member, or someone else who makes our world a better place. Volunteers will also receive a free box of donuts for themselves. Sign up to volunteer now.
“The purpose of this activity is to honor our volunteers and to show appreciation for those who are making a positive impact in our communities during these difficult times,” said Lt. Col. Dan Jennings, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
Donuts will be available for pickup June 4 from 7–9 a.m. at Salvation Army locations in Blaine, Burnsville, Roseville, and St. Paul. Exact addresses will be provided when you sign up to volunteer.
Donut Day History
The Salvation Army started National Donut Day in 1938 to help people during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of “Donut Girls” – female Salvation Army volunteers who served American soldiers battling on the frontlines of World War I.
The Donut Girls made and served thousands of donuts a day for U.S. troops, often using empty wine bottles as rolling pins, and tin cans as cutters. In addition to frying donuts, the women prayed with the soldiers, helped them write letters, mended their clothes, and more.
The Donut Girls quickly became a symbol of hope and comfort for their efforts to ease the hardship of war-torn American troops fighting in France. Today, the donut serves as a symbol of the comfort that The Salvation Army provides to those in need.