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The Salvation Army of Washington delivered sweet, savory treats to first responders last Friday on National Doughnut Day, to show appreciation for their hard work and efforts.

In 1917, the ladies of The Salvation Army first served the original “Salvation Army Doughnut” during WWI. The Salvation Army created National Doughnut Day in 1938 to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. This day began as a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army, and the goal of the 1938 fundraiser was to help the needy during the Great Depression.

Eighty-two years later, The Salvation Army continues to celebrate National Doughnut Day. For the past two years, The Salvation Army, located in Washington, has provided first responders with dozens of doughnuts. Salvation Army staff used the original recipe the “Donut Lassies” used on the front lines of World War 1 in France.

Karl Bush, newly named captain of The Salvation Army, said many command centers around the country celebrated National Doughnut Day to some degree.

“We did it last year … we try to do something, at least. Many Salvation Army commands across the nation went out and purchased doughnuts and did the same thing,” Bush said. “We have a handful of volunteers here in Washington that enjoy cooking. Last year was the first time we made doughnuts, and we gave it a shot again this year. They turned out great. It’s a very simple recipe.”

Each department — Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS, Washington Police, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department/EMS — received at least two-dozen doughnuts.

“The Salvation Army of Washington strives to continue to show our local first responders, police, fire and EMS that we appreciate them,” Bush said.

After the majority of the doughnuts were delivered, the remainder went to Salvation Army workers who worked hard to prepare and provide doughnuts for first responders.

 

Original “Donut Lassie” recipe:

Two large eggs; 5 cups of flour; 2 cups of sugar; 5 teaspoons of baking powder; 1/4 tablespoon of salt; 1 3/4 cups of milk; one tub of lard.

Directions:

Combine all ingredients (except for lard) to make dough. Thoroughly knead dough, roll smooth, and cut into rings that are less than 1/4 inch thick. (When finding items to cut out donut circles, be creative! Salvation Army Donut Lassies used whatever they could find, from baking powder cans to coffee percolator tubes.)

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. Let cool and enjoy.