June 2, 2026 – The Salvation Army of Decatur is inviting the community to celebrate National Donut Day on Friday, June 5, while supporting local businesses and programs that assist individuals and families in need.
The annual observance will feature partnerships with local donut shops, including Giggles on Merchant in downtown Decatur and Big Hungry’s locations in Mt. Zion and Forsyth. Community members can pre-order donuts or purchase them in-store while supplies last.
The Salvation Army will also have Red Kettles and volunteer bell ringers stationed outside participating locations and in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement Center through the lunch hour, collecting donations to support local services.
National Donut Day was established by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to raise funds during the Great Depression and honor the “Donut Lassies” who served donuts to American soldiers during World War I. According to The Salvation Army, volunteers working near the front lines in France famously fried donuts in soldiers’ helmets, helping boost morale among troops.
Today, National Donut Day serves as both a celebration of that history and an opportunity to raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s ongoing work providing food, shelter, and emergency assistance to people in need.
Community members are encouraged to stop by participating locations, purchase donuts from local businesses, and support The Salvation Army’s mission through donations.
