HORSEHEADS, NY (WENY) -- June 2nd is National Donut Day, and the Salvation Army in Elmira is taking the day to say thank you to first responders.
On Friday morning, the Elmira Salvation Army delivered coffee and donuts to the firefighters at Town and County Fire Department in Horseheads. Major Stephen Caroll tells WENY News they're doing it in honor of the "donut lassies" -- Salvation Army volunteer women who delivered donuts and other comforts to troops on the front lines during World War I.
According to The Salvation Army USA, the first-ever donut day event in Chicago in 1938, as a fundraiser during the Great Depression. It's now a national event, celebrated on the first Friday in June of each year.
"The donut campaign has been going nationwide since 1956. The donut girls started what they did during World War I," Maj. Carroll said.
“We’re proud to team up with The Salvation Army and give back to our first responders and community organizations across the Southern Tier,” said Elmira Dunkin’ Franchisee Manish Patel. “This donation is our way of saying thank you for all they do for our communities on a daily basis. We want the Southern Tier to know they can always count on Dunkin’ to keep them running.”
The Salvation Army in Elmira and Dunkin' delivered about 30 dozen donuts and hot coffee to community partners across the area Friday.
Dunkin' is also celebrating the holiday by giving customers a free original donut with the purchase of any beverage.