Salvation Army, Entenmann's and Victor Cruz Team Up for National Donut Day

By Jeff Schapiro, Christian Post Reporter Friday, May 31, 2013

The Salvation Army is teaming up with Entenmann's and Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz for the 76th National Donut Day next week as a way to raise money that will go toward helping those in need.

"I grew up on Entenmann's donuts right across the river in New Jersey and to this day always have a box of Entenmann's Crumb Topped donuts in the house," said Cruz, who is the celebrity ambassador for Entenmann's and National Donut Day, in a statement. "It really is an honor to be recognized as such a big Entenmann's fan, while honoring The Salvation Army on their very special day."

National Donut Day was established by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 as a way to honor "donut lassies," who served donuts to soldiers during World War I, and to help raise money and create awareness of the ministry's social service programs during the Great Depression.

Entenmann's produces more than 780 million donuts each year, or more than 100,000 per hour, at bakeries in Montebello, Calif., and Carlisle, Penn. In celebration of this year's National Donut Day on Friday, June 7, the company has agreed to donate one dollar to The Salvation Army for every new "like" on its Facebook page from May 1 through June 15, up to $30,000. The company is also currently promoting a "Free Donuts for a Year" sweepstakes through Facebook.

"We want to thank Entenmann's for partnering again with us this year to celebrate National Donut Day and help us serve those in need," Major Ron Busroe , National Community Relations and Development secretary for The Salvation Army, said in a statement. "Every year on National Donut Day, The Salvation Army asks the public to remember those less fortunate who struggle to make ends meet. So, for everyone who enjoys a tasty donut in celebration, please take a minute to consider ways to give back in your community."

This is the third consecutive year the two organizations have teamed up for National Donut Day, which takes place annually on the first Friday in June.

Through their partnership, Entenmann's donated $10,000 to The Salvation Army in 2011 and $25,000 in 2012, a PR firm representing the ministry told CP via email. The money goes toward Salvation Army programs and services, and last year's donation went specifically toward its Emergency Disaster Services.

EDS workers mobilized to help victims and first responders in Moore, Okla., last week in the wake of an EF5 tornado that ripped through the town on May 20 and killed 24 people, according to The Salvation Army's website. The ministry has provided food and spiritual support to the people of Moore, and is one of a number of Christian ministries that have responded to the tragedy.