THE SALVATION ARMY HONORS BALTIMORE SOUTHWEST DEPARTMENT AND SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT POLICE
On June 3, 2022 The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, represented by Captain Michael Chisolm of Temple Corps celebrated National Donut Day by personally thanking Baltimore’s heroes in blue by giving them free glazed donuts and by individually thanking each officer for going above and beyond the call of duty. Baltimore City police from Southwest District and Southern District were overjoyed by the donuts and the appreciation.
National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June. It’s that perfect day when you can forego your diet and indulge your sweet tooth on an array of infectiously delectable donuts. Did you know that The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938? This was to honor The Salvation Army’s ‘donut lassies,’ who made history when they risked their lives to raise spirits and fuel hope by serving thousands of soldiers during WWI, in part by delivering donuts and other sweet treats to those in the war.
Donut lassies first made their appearance during 1917, when World War I commenced. Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts on the front lines where they provided essential goods and sweet treats (such as donuts) to boost morale. The donut was then, and continues to be, a taste of home and a symbol of comfort for Americans. More than a hundred years later, The Salvation Army is still serving on the front lines, now through a wide range of social services for America’s most vulnerable individuals and families. For The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, honoring Baltimore City police with fresh donuts on national donut day keeps up with The Army’s tradition of “raising spirits” for soldiers in times of war.
In addition to the donuts, Baltimore Police Southwest Department is excited about cultivating a relationship with The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, specifically with The Boys and Girls club in Franklin Square. Sergeant Edgar Cabello, a spokesman for Baltimore Police Southwest Department, truly appreciated the visit from The Salvation Army.
"I love events like this! When we can work as one, we accomplish more. That we are all here to help the community. The police department is all about helping the community, helping everybody, and showing love. And trying to help everybody that needs our help,” said Cabello.
Donuts were shared amongst each officer, of different ranks, at Southwest District. “I’m happy that The Salvation Army came today. And we are always grateful when the organization comes out to support the police,” added Sargeant J.A Dejesus of Baltimore Department Southwest. No fingertips were left unglazed.
Office Schultzaberger, from Baltimore Police Department South, thank The Salvation Army for donuts and for friendship. “We’re grateful for the support and friendship that we have. We look forward to working with The Salvation Army to better people’s lives.”
Captain Michael Chisolm noted that donut day is a great day to honor local heroes. “Baltimore police give back to the community every day so it’s the least The Salvation Army can do with honoring them with donuts.”
Much like the “donut lassies” of The Salvation Army’s past, our officers today honor local heroes in a delicious, sugary fashion.
