In combating the large increase of services provided to the residents of Freeborn County, The Albert Lea Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for its first-ever Salvation Army Doughnut Days fundraiser that will be celebrated July 16 and 17. The Salvation Army is asking for volunteers to man many locations all over the city of Albert Lea collecting contributions for the much-needed services.

The volunteers will be given a doughnut box and much like at Christmas time, will politely ask for any contributions to help offset the deficit. If everything goes right, a sea of volunteers will represent the Army’s need in many locations throughout Albert Lea.

“At a time when The Salvation Army is doing more than ever before along with a 78 percent increase of social services and a $15,000 cut from a major contributor, I feel it is my responsibility to fill the gap of funding,” said local Capt. Jim Brickson, Corps officer and administrator. “We have to continue to be prepared for the new and changing demands in our services each day.”

The Salvation Army is pushed into diversifying their overall fundraising efforts. New grants are being researched and applied for, but the funds will only be available in the future. The idea of the Doughnut Day is not new; rather it has deep roots as far back as World War I.

National Doughnut Day honors The Salvation Army “lassies” of World War I. It is also used as a fundraiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army. The original Salvation Army doughnut was first served by The Salvation Army in 1917. During World War I, Salvation Army “lassies” were sent to the frontlines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home-cooked foods and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the frontlines.

Brickson and the entire organization is making a plea to any and all residents that are able to sign up and represent The Salvation Army for a short period on the days listed. Sign-up can be done by either calling The Salvation Army at 373-5710 or stopping by The Albert Lea Citadel located at 302 Court St.

The Salvation Army will also have its first-ever disaster services drive-through barbecue on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to disaster services of the Salvation Army.