Buddy Valastro Partners With The Salvation Army to Spread Joy Nationwide for National Donut Day

The Salvation Army will mark National Donut Day on Friday, June 5, 2026, with a nationwide series of events honoring veterans and the legacy of the “Donut Lassies,” the women volunteers who served American troops during World War I. The observance, established in 1938, remembers how Salvation Army workers in France brought comfort to soldiers near the front lines by offering emotional support, essential supplies, and freshly fried donuts. Their efforts helped turn the donut into a lasting symbol of kindness, encouragement, and community.

This year’s celebration includes a partnership with celebrity baker Buddy Valastro, known as the star of “Cake Boss” and owner of Carlo’s Bakery. Valastro will join The Salvation Army in New York City to distribute donuts to veterans and highlight the organization’s work supporting military families and those who served in the armed forces. He said National Donut Day reflects the spirit of bringing people together and spreading joy, and he expressed pride in continuing his partnership with The Salvation Army.

Carlo’s Bakery will also provide donuts for veterans at several Salvation Army events across the country, with content creators participating in some of the celebrations. Planned stops include Jersey City, New Jersey, where donuts will be shared with veterans at a Veterans of Foreign Wars facility using mobile canteen units; Las Vegas, Nevada, where veterans at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital will receive donuts; San Antonio, Texas, where donuts will be delivered to people experiencing homelessness and veterans at a VA hospital; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where first responders and veterans will be honored at a VA hospital.

In addition to the Carlo’s Bakery partnership, The Salvation Army will host traditional community events in multiple cities. In Cincinnati, Ohio, donuts will be delivered to a VA hospital. In Knoxville, Tennessee, Salvation Army staff will bring donuts and spend time with veterans at the Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home. In San Diego, California, the organization will hold its third annual Donut Festival aboard the USS Midway Museum. In Washington, D.C., the National Capital Area Command will stage the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship.

The article traces National Donut Day back to 1917, when Salvation Army women traveled to France during World War I to support American troops. Known as the Donut Lassies, they created field bases in huts near the front lines and used donuts as one way to lift morale. After the war, they were credited with helping popularize donuts in the United States. The Salvation Army later launched National Donut Day in Chicago in 1938 to honor their service and raise funds during the Great Depression.

Commissioner Merle Heatwole, the Salvation Army’s national commander, called the Donut Lassies’ story one of courage and compassion, saying the holiday honors both their legacy and the veterans who have served the nation. The Salvation Army said its mission continues through food assistance, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation, youth programs, and other services across the country.