The Salvation Army of North Texas Honors Veterans on National Donut Day
NORTH TEXAS (June 1, 2026) — In recognition of National Donut Day on Friday, June 5, The Salvation Army of North Texas is honoring veterans and first responders across the region.
As a nod to the holiday’s origin, The Salvation Army of North Texas will distribute donuts to veterans at its Carr P. Collins Social Services Center in Dallas. In Fort Worth, The Salvation Army will be handing out donuts and coffee to veterans and first responders at the Fort Worth VA Clinic. The events pay tribute to the holiday’s unique military history while offering an opportunity to personally thank those who have served our country.
While National Donut Day is a celebration, it also reflects The Salvation Army’s longstanding commitment to serving veterans. Through housing, case management, employment support and other critical services, The Salvation Army remains the largest providers of housing and support services for veterans experiencing homelessness in North Texas.
The Salvation Army’s Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in Dallas and J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center in Fort Worth provide housing and comprehensive support services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Together, the facilities help veterans secure stable housing, access needed resources and build a path toward long-term independence and stability.
"Though we provide support for veterans year-round, National Donut Day is one of our favorite ways to connect with and celebrate the brave men and women who fought for our freedom,” said Major Rob Webb, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Hearing the stories of our local veterans is powerful, and this tradition provides us the unique opportunity to thank them in person. We’re thankful for our community members and that make this celebration that much more personal and valuable for those that served our country."
Why National Donut Day Matters
National Donut Day traces its roots back to World War I, when Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France to provide spiritual care, emotional support and essential supplies to American soldiers stationed near the front lines.
Many of these volunteers became known as the "Donut Lassies" after they began making and serving donuts to homesick troops. In some locations, Salvation Army volunteers served thousands of donuts each day, offering soldiers a simple reminder of home during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
In 1938, The Salvation Army established the first National Donut Day in Chicago to honor the Donut Lassies and raise funds to support people struggling during the Great Depression. More than 85 years later, the holiday continues to recognize both the service of veterans and the compassion of those who support them.
Supporting Veterans Beyond National Donut Day
Today, The Salvation Army remains dedicated to supporting veterans who are working to overcome complex challenges that can hinder their wellbeing and successful reintegration into society.
The Salvation Army serves veterans facing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, social isolation, and financial instability. The Salvation Army’s comprehensive and structured case management team addresses each veteran's specific needs as part of a compassionate, holistic approach designed to overcome the distinct barriers faced by veterans and support their path to independence and improved quality of life.
The services available to veterans include:
- Transitional housing for veterans experiencing homelessness, providing a stable environment as they work toward self-sufficiency
- Financial literacy education classes and life skills groups to equip veterans with the tools necessary for long-term stability, such as finding employment and housing
- Collaboration with housing partners, including the Dallas VA, Dallas Housing Authority, and many others to identify and secure appropriate housing placements
- Advocacy for veterans experiencing homelessness by supporting housing initiatives and raising awareness of factors this population faces
- Compassion-focused care rooted in dignity and respect to empower veterans on their journey toward a renewed sense of purpose
For more information about National Donut Day or to download the Donut Lassies’ original donut recipe, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/donut-day.
About The Salvation Army of North Texas
The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 21 centers of operation in Dallas and Rockwall, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement, and more. For more information, visit SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.
Media Contacts
Raegan Lucido, [email protected], 469.422.1144