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The Salvation Army
of the Syracuse Area

677 S. Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-475-1688
Fax: 315-475-6307
Contact Us

National Salvation Army Week

History
National Salvation Army Week will be celebrated this year during the week of May 11. On Wednesday, May 14, we will hold our annual Prayer breakfast of Thanks with Can Do Awards Ceremony. This year we will give Can Do Awards to honor:

  • Chuck Braungart
  • Marjorie Carter
  • Tim Fox
  • Cindy English
  • Karen Reid
  • Pam Heintz & the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service
  • Sr. Joan Kerley & Le Moyne College Service Learning Department
  • Jim Janes & P&C Food & Pharmacy in Nottingham Plaza
We Need Your Help
We are currently looking for establishments that will help spread the word about our work in this community. If you would like to have a coin collection container and bookmarks at your establishment during National Salvation Army Week, please call us at 479-1321.

Please visit the following establishments during National Salvation Army Week to make a donation.

  • Riley's
  • Twin Trees II
  • Carnegie Downtown
  • Doug's Fish Fry in Dewitt

During his presidency, Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern.  In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.

The week of November 18 – December 4, 1954 was declared by the United Stated Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week.  Today, the dates have changed, but the work of The Salvation Army that was recognized has not  – to serve those in need without discrimination.

Doughnut Lassies
When the United States entered World War I, The Salvation Army was ready to assist. The Salvation Army established a War Board and began programs in US Army camps and canteens across the country. Food and beverages were provided for the soldiers, along with books, writing supplies and opportunities for recreation. Overseas, The Salvation Army workers moved with the American Expeditionary Forces across France making doughnuts, pies, cakes and other home-baked goods for the soldiers.

The soldiers were given a home away from home and had the opportunity to sing, read, write letters and attend church services.  The Salvation Army doughnut girls would use the limited rations provided and an open stove to make doughnuts for the soldiers.  Only 150 doughnuts were made on the first day in 1917, but once the doughnut assembly line was created, up to 9,000 were made daily.

Along the front lines, the doughnuts became a symbol of The Salvation Army’s will to bring a touch of home to the soldiers. A small token of sweetness, it has remained in the public’s mind for many years as a symbol of warm friendship and service to those in need.

During National Salvation Army Week in Syracuse, we will partner with P&C Food & Pharmacy to deliver a special thanks and symbol of friendship to 225 community supporters.

The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area sends a special thank you to P&C Food & Pharmacy for donating 200 dozen doughnuts so that we may thank the community for their continued support.

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