Sweet Tradition of Service: The Salvation Army Celebrates National Donut Day in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (May 29, 2026) – Every year on the first Friday of June, America celebrates National Donut Day with free treats and donut deals, but behind the glaze and sprinkles is a powerful history of remarkable women who showed up with compassion when it mattered most. This June 5, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania invites the community to fill our neighborhoods with joy by honoring the heart and history behind the tradition.

National Donut Day was established in 1938 to honor the women who volunteered with The Salvation Army to provide spiritual and emotional care, critical supplies and freshly fried donuts to American soldiers on the front lines of World War I. These women became known as “Donut Lassies,” and today, their legacy is a reminder that small acts of kindness can carry enormous joy.

Nearly nine decades later, The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services and programs to vulnerable communities in nearly every ZIP code in the country and throughout 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania.

“National Donut Day is a beautiful reminder of what has always defined our mission, showing up for people in their most difficult moments with compassion and care,” said Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. “Our dedication to serving our community with joy and purpose has never wavered. We are so grateful to our local partners who make this sweet celebration a reality in our community every year.”

“Donut” miss out on this year’s National Donut Day events in Pittsburgh! The Salvation Army is proud to once again partner with Giant Eagle on a sweet deal and service project for veterans. The Salvation Army team will also be stationed throughout Pittsburgh to celebrate the sweet holiday!

• Sweet Deal: On Friday, June 5, Giant Eagle stores will be running a delicious deal on a dozen donuts for just $6. Valid only at participating Giant Eagle and Market District locations while supplies last. Must scan Giant Eagle Loyalty Card.
• Honoring Service: The Salvation Army and Giant Eagle will be partnering up to serve local veterans a delicious, boxed lunch and sweet treats.
  • Giant Eagle guests can pick up a sweet treat and say hi to The Salvation Army from 10 – 11 a.m. while shopping at the Giant Eagle Market District location in Robinson Township (100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive).
  • Members of Giant Eagle’s Veterans Business Resource Group will be packing boxed lunches and donuts to honor local veterans. The Salvation Army will be delivering and distributing the lunches to military personnel.
• Open House: Community members are invited to learn more about the ministries of The Salvation Army while enjoying free sweet treats and coffee. “Donut” be shy, come say hi to the team at The Salvation Army of North Boroughs (377 South Home Avenue in Avalon) from 9 – 11 a.m.
• Bell Ringing: Those waiting in line to purchase donuts and desserts can make a donation to The Salvation Army at both Bethel Bakery locations (Bethel Park and Canonsburg). From 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. volunteer bell ringers will be stationed outside the stores bringing cheer to customers.

Celebrating more than 160 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.