Stop by the Hy-Vee drive-thru (Broadway or Harrison) from 7–9 a.m. and grab a dozen glazed donuts for just $12.

Thanks to Hy-Vee’s generous support covering the costs, proceeds from this sale will benefit The Salvation Army Food Pantry.

This partnership comes at a critical time of year when donations to the food pantry typically decline. Proceeds from the Donut Drive will help keep shelves stocked and ensure that individuals and families in need continue to have access to essential food support throughout the summer months.

History

In 1938, the first-ever National Donut Day was celebrated in Chicago, and the history of The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies was officially immortalized. In 1917, these women were sent to France to establish field bases near the front lines. In makeshift huts, thousands of soldiers would come to stock up on essential goods and grab a sweet treat baked by the Lassies.

Both the presence of these courageous women and the donuts that tasted of home brought a light of hope and happiness to the battlefield — a much-needed morale boost for languishing soldiers. In fact, the Donut Lassies are also credited with popularizing the donut in the United States after the troops (commonly known as “doughboys”) came back from fighting in Europe. And still today, over a hundred years later, The Salvation Army continues to serve on the front lines through a wide range of social services for the most vulnerable individuals and families living in the United States. Over a hundred years later, National Donut Day remains a time to reflect on the Donut Lassies’ selfless acts of service and a time to recognize veterans' bravery and sacrifice.