Salvation Army Celebrates 130 Years Of Service With Free Donuts

June 2, 2023 ·

SANTA MONICA—The Salvation Army Santa Monica will celebrate 130 years of service to the community on Friday, June 2, by handing out 1,500 free donuts. The anniversary lands on National Donut Day, which has historical ties to the nonprofit organization.

Donuts will be given out at several locations across Santa Monica, including at the 3rd Street Promenade, 7th and Montana, Santa Monica Police and Fire Station, and the Salvation Army Family Store at 1658 11th St, courtesy of Lionsgate. A program will be held at the Community Center at 1533 4th Street, which will host city officials, clients, and staff who will discuss the work currently happening in the city. The program lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

According to the Salvation Army, During World War I, “lassies” were sent to the frontlines to support American troops. In the camps, there were very few tools available for cooking, but the lassies, later referred to as Donut Lassies or Donut Girls, found flour, grease, sugar, and baking powder. With wine bottles and shell casings as rolling pins, they rolled out a dough they could fry up into donuts. Some were even fried right inside soldiers’ helmets. 

After World War I, the popularity of donuts endured in America. In 1938, National Donut Day was initiated as a fundraiser to help Chicago during the Great Depression as well as honor the work of the Donut Lassies in World War I. Today, National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June. 

The Salvation Army Santa Monica started serving the community in 1893, and today continues to provide housing, food, and rehabilitation assistance. At the Community Center, hot meals are handed out Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

By Paige Strickland

Next Post

SMPD Decoy Operation Catches Clerk Selling Alcohol To Minor

SANTA MONICA—One Santa Monica business was cited for selling alcohol to a minor on May 5 after the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a minor decoy operation.  Minors supervised by ABC agents attempted to purchase alcohol from…
Read
Previous Post

Anthony Rauda Found Guilty In Malibu Creek Murder

MALIBU—Anthony Rauda was found guilty of second-degree murder on Friday, May 26, in the case of a father who was shot and killed while he was camping at Malibu Creek State Park with his children.  On June 22, 2018, Tristan…
Read
Random Post

Free Community Shredding Event October 15

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be hosting a free drive-thru shredding and compost event on Sunday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will transpire at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street. The event will…
Read
Random Post

Gang Member Arrested With Firearm In Possession

WESTWOOD—On Saturday, January 4, the UCLA Police Department disclosed that a gang-member was arrested with a firearm in possession. UCPD patrols both on and off campus to ensure the safety of the community. Officers patrolling near UCLA-owned apartment buildings in…
Read
Random Post

Apartment Building Fire Battled In Sherman Oaks

SHERMAN OAKS—The LAFD battled an apartment fire on Thursday, April 3. The blaze was reported at 8:38 a.m. at 13420 W. Huston Street. Smoke was showing from the third floor, and there was an active fire in one first floor…
Read
Random Post

Nick Maricich Named New Community Development Director

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city announced the selection of new Community Development Director Nick Maricich on August 17. He will begin working with the city of West Hollywood on Monday, September 18. The city indicated in a news release that Maricich joins…
Read