DUNKIN’ AND THE SALVATION ARMY SERVE UP SWEET TREATS TO CAPITAL REGION VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND RESIDENTS ON NATIONAL DONUT DAY

ALBANY, N.Y.  – Dunkin’ today teamed up with The Salvation Army of Albany and The Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs to honor the sweet traditions of National Donut Day by making special deliveries of donuts and coffee to support veterans, first responders and residents throughout the Capital Region.

The Salvation Army of Albany partnered with Dunkin’ to deliver 240 donuts and hot coffee to the Albany Police Department and the Albany Fire Department, as well as support veterans receiving services at the Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A Salvation Army food truck also distributed treats to the public in downtown Albany.

The Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs similarly delivered 480 donuts, courtesy of Dunkin’, to local VA clinics, the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, and surprised unexpecting pedestrians on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Dunkin’ is celebrating National Donut Day across the Capital Region with a free donut offer for its loyal guests. On Friday, June 2, Dunkin’ will offer guests a free classic donut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage at participating restaurants, while supplies last. To make the most of the holiday, guests can pair a classic donut from Dunkin’ with their favorite drink, from the adored Butter Pecan Iced Coffee to a full-bodied Cold Brew. Whatever donut-drink combo guests go for, there’s no incorrect way to celebrate National Donut Day – as long as it involves a free donut!

“We’re proud to team up with The Salvation Army and give back to our many veterans, first responders and guests across the Capital Region,” said Dunkin’ franchisee network Westside Donut Ventures Director of Operations Gretchen Kent. “This donation is our way of saying thank you for all they do for our communities on a daily basis. We want the Capital Region to know they can always count on Dunkin’ to keep them running.”

“We are delighted to partner with Dunkin’ to celebrate National Donut Day,” said The Salvation Army of Albany’s Captain Bree Barker “This is a day when we look back to reflect on the dedication of the Donut Lassies who served donuts to homesick soldiers on the front lines in World War I, and we look forward to the opportunities to serve humanity today and in the future!”

“It is an absolute pleasure to partner with Dunkin’ to celebrate all the various people in our community who work tirelessly to make Saratoga County a wonderful place to live,” said The Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs Lt. Michael Dow. “Their work and generosity do not go unnoticed, and we are so blessed to work with Dunkin’ to brighten their day and say the ‘thank you’ that they deserve.”

The origin of National Donut Day dates back to World War I, when nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers known as “Donut Lassies” traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support as well as fried confections, supplies and other services to troops on the front lines. The Donut Lassies fried donuts in small pans and are credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when troops returned home from war. Held annually on the first Friday in June, The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the Donut Lassies.

For more than a century, The Salvation Army has continued to provide a wide range of essential services like food, shelter and emotional and spiritual support to the most vulnerable and to many of the men and women serving on the front lines of need.

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About The Salvation Army USA

The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

About Dunkin’
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.