The Salvation Army Hands Out Smiles By The Dozen On Donut Day
Social Services Organization Continues Tradition of Serving Hope on the Front Line
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 5, 2020) – The Salvation Army has a long history of doing the most good in times of great distress. Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the organization has provided snacks, hydration, comfort, childcare and personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare and essential workers.
On National Donut Day, The Salvation Army continued its tradition of honoring America’s heroes by delivering thousands of donuts to healthcare workers across the country as a symbol of hope and gratitude.
“The men and women in the medical industry have worked tirelessly to protect the health of our neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Commissioner David Hudson, national commander for The Salvation Army. “While we can never truly repay them, we can provide hope, resources and thanks to those who have answered the call to service.”
In World War I, nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support, fried confectionary, clothes and supplies to troops. More than a century later, The Salvation Army is still serving both those in need and those at the forefront of the COVID-19 crisis.
On Friday, The Salvation Army deployed mobile feeding units (canteens) and Donut Lassies for a sweet salute across the country:
- Atlanta: In partnership with Publix Bakery, The Salvation Army delivered 5,000 donuts to healthcare workers at Grady Hospital, as well as to staff and volunteers at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center.
- Boston Area: The Salvation Army with Dunkin’, Entenmann’s and Kane’s delivered donuts to healthcare workers and veterans at local hospitals. Honey Dew Donuts has also supplied over 200 gift cards for those receiving groceries at local food pantries.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Dunkin’ provided healthcare workers at Parkland Hospital with Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez and John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
- Denver: The Salvation Army partnered with LaMar’s Donuts to give more than 1,400 donuts to frontline hospital workers at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.
- Los Angeles: Canteens and Donut Lassies delivered 1,000 donuts to the Los Angeles Medical Center.
- New Orleans: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band greeted employees of Ochsner Medical Center (Ochsner Baptist location) as WDSU meteorologist Damon Singleton and The Salvation Army provided donuts during a shift change.
- New York City: Salvation Army canteens delivered donuts to healthcare workers at Manhattan VA Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital.
The social services organization has also opened an emotional and spiritual care hotline for anyone feeling lonely, isolated or fearful and in need of a reassuring voice. By calling 844-458-HOPE (4673), trained Salvation Army officers and employees are available to talk, advise and pray for individuals, families and situations.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood