Tuesday, May 8, has been designated as “Donut Day” by the Salvation Army in Kosciusko County as a show of thanks. The Army’s mission is to serve those less fortunate and remind citizens to thank Veteran’s for their service to our country in preparation for Memorial Day.

Before World War I, most Americans regarded the Salvation Army as just a street-corner mission to the poor. By the end of the war that image had changed, thanks in large part to the “Donut Girls.”

When the Salvation Army began its war work, Commander Evangeline Booth decided its best contribution would be to “mother” the troops. She sent young Salvation Army women – “sallies” – to set up canteens on the front in France. There soldiers could write a letter, play a game, listen to music or get a snack. They became best known for their doughnuts.

“The Salvation Army has a real nice hut where we can get real honest American cocoa, pies and doughnuts made by American girls. Gee but they taste good!” one soldier from Maine wrote home.

During the stress of being on the front and facing combat, these women served the soldiers not only coffee and donuts, but mended uniforms and helped send letters home to those who couldn’t write themselves. They expressed the gospel of Jesus Christ in a very practical way. The Salvation
Army has continued that tradition since those days of World War I by serving troops during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and most recently in the Middle East.

“This Donut Day is our way of saying thanks to Kosciusko County and its veterans,” Cadet Esteban Pommier noted. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve in this county.”

Donut Day was established in 2000 by Community Ministries Coordinator, Ken Locke, and Lt. Audrey Schneider in cooperation with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Donuts are delivered by these modern “lassies” to thank businesses, churches and other groups for support of Angel Tree, ringing
bells or helping with Kids Club to name a few.

“We also don’t want to forget our men and women serving presently in the military as well,” noted Locke.

The 12th Annual “Donut Day” will be staged at Marsh Supermarket in Warsaw where volunteers will deliver donuts to different routes in the county. Free donuts will be available to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Salvation Army has served in Kosciusko County since 1921.