Volunteers with the Albert Lea Salvation Army will fundraise Friday at Hy-Vee and MarketPlace Foods in Albert Lea as part of an effort happening across the country called National Donut Day.

According to a press release, the Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of women with the Salvation Army deemed “donut lassies,” who served donuts to troops during World War I.

The release stated the Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. soldiers fighting in France in 1917 during World War I. About 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and baked goods.

Despite discovering that serving baked goods would be difficult with the condition of the huts and the limited rations, two Salvation Army officers began frying donuts in a small pan. The treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers.

Up to 9,000 donuts were served to the troops daily.

National Donut Day is now held annually on the first Friday in June to remember the work of those women and the work of the Salvation Army.

The release stated the donut now serves as a symbol of the comfort the Salvation Army provides to those in need through its social services programs. The organization still serves donuts, in addition to warm meals and hydration, to those in need during times of disaster.

Albert Lea Salvation Army Maj. Sandy Hunt said volunteers will be at both Albert Lea grocery stores starting at 8 a.m. Friday and continuing through 6 p.m., as long as all volunteer spots are filled. Volunteers will also be at Hy-Vee Gas from 6 to 9 a.m. Friday fundraising.

Hunt said MarketPlace Foods is offering a coupon for a buy-one-get-one-free donut for everyone who donates to the cause at its store.

Hy-Vee is donating $1 for every dozen donuts sold, she said.

 

Donut recipe

Ingredients

2 large eggs

5 cups flour

2 cups sugar

5 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 tablespoon salt

1 3/4 cups milk

1 tub lard

 

Directions

Combine all ingredients (except for the lard) to make dough.

Thoroughly knead dough, roll smooth and cut into rings that are less than 1/4-inch thick.

Drop the rings into the lard, making sure the fat is hot enough to brown the donuts gradually. Turn the donuts slowly several times.

When browned, remove donuts and allow excess fat to drip off. Dust with powdered sugar, and let cool.

 

— The Salvation Army