The Salvation Army of North Texas Marks the Sweet Relief of the 'Donut Lassies'

Jun 16, 2025 | by Fort Worth Magazine

Region's largest service provider handed out donuts and coffee to veterans across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to commemorate National Donut Day.

From the files of “You Learn Something New Every Day” comes this story from the Salvation Army of North Texas.

At the request of Gen. John J. Pershing in 1917, around 250 Salvation Army volunteers traveled overseas to Europe to set up small huts near the front lines of World War I to provide soldiers with supplies, clothing, and, perhaps most importantly, sweet treats.

With the front lines not an ideal kitchen, two Salvation Army officers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, innovated: They tried to fry donuts. It worked. The soldiers loved them.

Read the full story in Fort Worth Magazine


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