Salvation Army Celebrates National Donut Day at Tulsa’s Coffee Bunker
ALL SMILES: Welcoming guests on National Donut Day at the Coffee Bunker, from left, Coffee Bunker Executive Director Michael Horton, and from the Salvation Army Samantha Knappen, Alyssa Knapp and Claire Woodard.
The Salvation Army celebrated National Donut Day June 5 with drive-through coffee and donuts for veterans and first responders at the Coffee Bunker at 6365 E. 41st St. The donuts were courtesy of Merritt’s Bakery and this is the 10th year for the partnership.
The Salvation Army has a long history with donuts that dates back to World War I when volunteers, called donut lassies, served soldiers on the front lines. The Salvation Army partners with Coffee Bunker to recognize veterans, service members and reservists as well as first responders.
In additional news, The Salvation Army recently received a generous donation from a local community partner to go toward its COVID-19 efforts. Trustees of the James M. Cox Foundation have authorized a grant of $25,000 to aid the non-profit in continuing to serve those in Green Country who are impacted by the pandemic. The foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises and the parent company of Cox Communications and Cox Automotive.
“The Salvation Army is so grateful for the generosity of our friends at Cox Communications,” said Major Mark Harwell, Area Commander, The Salvation Army Tulsa Metro Area Command. “We have remained fully operational amid the shutdowns throughout the area as our programs are considered essential and crucial for vulnerable populations. This $25,000 grant will allow us to continue to help those who have been impacted by COVID-19.”
Some of the adjustments to programming over the past three months include opening a temporary emergency shelter at the former juvenile justice center, having a daycare for essential workers at the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club and offering utility assistance to families whose livelihood was impacted by the Coronavirus.
“We are proud to support the Salvation Army,” said Roger Ramseyer, Cox Market vice president in Tulsa. “It provides over 850 meals a day to children and families who face hunger and homelessness in our region. As school and workplace closures have made access to nutritious food even more challenging, these children and working families need our help now, more than ever.”
For more information about local Salvation Army programs and how you can support the COVID-19 response, please visit www.salarmytulsa.org.
