Delivering aloha: Salvation Army makes special sweet deliveries on National Donut Day

Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Līhuʻe and Hanapēpē Corps on Kaua’i recently helped make several special sweet glazed, chocolate-covered and frosted deliveries — even some with sprinkles or crushed nuts on top, but all with plenty of aloha filling — to men and women throughout the state who selflessly serve others in their communities.

First responders, veterans, active duty service members, hospital staff and other community caregivers and public servants were treated to those familiar ring pastries — famously missing their centers — with a variety of toppings and fillings in celebration of National Donut Day.

Local Salvation Army corps officers and volunteers in communities on three islands brought dozens of donuts to treat people making a positive difference.

Community donut shops and bakeries also rallied to bolster the nonprofit’s efforts, with Island Craves Kauaʻi donating delicious donut deliveries, too.

Līhuʻe Corps volunteers on June 1 delivered donuts and other light refreshments to support staff and employees of Kauaʻi County.

The Hanapēpē Corps made donut deliveries May 12 during National Salvation Army Week to local first responders in anticipation of National Donut Day.

National Donut Day is traditionally observed each year on the first Friday of June.

Its origins are traced back to The Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies,” with the annual observance initiated in 1938 by the nonprofit as a way to remember the legacy of those brave women who risked their lives to provide soldiers with a taste of home by delivering freshly made donuts to frontline troops during World Wars I and II.

“More than a century later, we continue that tradition by recognizing those who faithfully serve others,” wrote The Salvation Army Hawai‘i County in June 5 Facebook post accompanied by photos showing scenes from the day’s festivities.

The annual observance still draws on inspiration from the Lassies to help honor those who serve their communities and bring joy to often unsung neighborhood heroes.