Without a shadow of doubt, America’s biggest contribution to Western civilization is the trusty doughnut and as such, we should embrace every opportunity to celebrate these dollops of unadulterated deliciousness.
Once again, the Salvation Army is using the occasion to offer the people of Santa Monica free sugar-coated snacks, along with games, prizes and even a rumored doughnut eating contest with our very own Mayor Phil Brock competing.
Many might not realize the history between these glazed, heavenly hoops of happiness and the Salvation Army and it’s a connection that goes back over a century. Doughnuts, in one form or another, have been around since Dutch settlers brought them to the US in the early 18th century, but they proved pivotal to morale in the muddy fields of northern France during the First World War.
In 1917, the Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for US soldiers fighting in France during WWI. About 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts located near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and baked goods. After discovering that serving baked goods would be difficult considering the conditions of the huts and limited rations, two volunteers — Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance – began frying doughnuts in soldier’s helmets. Nicknamed "Doughnut Lassies," the women who served them to troops are credited with popularizing the snack in the United States.
"The First World War was a long time ago, but we’re still very much on the front lines," said James Fleming, Administrator and Pastor at the Santa Monica corps of The Salvation Army, adding, "The front lines in this day and age are ongoing issues like homelessness, mental health, drug addiction and poverty. Many think we just serve the homeless, but we actually serve around 200 families a month with food boxes."
"We’re also taking this opportunity to honor all the other people who serve on these front lines, including the police department, all five fire stations, 911 dispatch and the VA center," Fleming said.
This time 12 months ago, a large crowd gathered for an event at their 4th Street HQ commemorating the 130 year anniversary and the work accomplished by the Santa Monica corp.
"Last year was more of a celebration, which was fantastic, but this year, we just want to keep the tradition going and get the message out there that we’re here for people… We’ll have 2,000 doughnuts to give away, we’ll be on the Third Street Promenade from 11 to two o’clock, close to the Apple Store and the Mayor is coming along to take part in a doughnut eating contest," Fleming grinned.
The Daily Press reached out to Brock and asked him what kind of physical and psychological training regime he’d been undertaking in order to compete in such a demanding event, to which he replied, "No extra training! I’ve had a lifetime of preparation!"
Brock added, "From Clean and Sober campaigns to tending those on the streets of Santa Monica the Army is always there, ready to help anyone in need anywhere, anytime. The Army treats anyone in need regardless of faith, sexual orientation, race or creed and does it for no cost."
This year’s event was once again made possible with the generous cooperation of Santa Monica-based Lionsgate Studios, who, through the tireless efforts of Ross Pollack, EVP and Chairperson of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, covered the cost of the near infinite amount of tasty treats made by DK Donuts.
The Salvation Army will be celebrating National Doughnut Day on the Promenade, close to 1415 3rd Street, between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd, from 11am–2pm on Friday, June 7. Find out more by visiting santamonica.salvationarmy.org
scott.snowden@smdp.com
