The Salvation Army Western Division Volunteer Services

Last week, communities across our division carried on a beloved Salvation Army tradition that began more than 100 years ago when the Donut Lassies served donuts to soliders on the front lines of World War I.

Today, we continue the legacy by sharing donuts with local first responders and veterans as a small token of appreciation for all they do. ❤️

We're looking for volunteers to help with our Family Meals of Hope summertime mobile-meals program. We have openings for servers, drivers, meal prep, and more. To sign up -- or to get more info -- click here: https://x.gldn.io/e/UKeQZGmz52b

Did you know that was started by The Salvation Army?🍩

The day was created to honor the "Donut Lassies" — the courageous volunteers who served American soldiers on the front lines of World War I.

The women who served these treats became known as the Donut Lassies, and their compassion left a lasting impact on the troops they served. When soldiers returned home, they brought their love of donuts with them, helping make this sweet treat an American favorite.

As we celebrate today, we remember the volunteers who came before us and thank all those who continue to make a difference in our communities through service and compassion. ❤️

The 2026 season of the Family Meals of Hope starts today. The army will be sending out three canteens every night with Women’s Auxiliary members staffing Tuesday evenings at the 42nd and Q Streets. All volunteer slots are currently full for this location on Tuesdays.

However if you still want to volunteer you can schedule with the volunteer department at this link. Whether you volunteer once or throughout the whole summer, your support helps us make a meaningful difference in our community.

Sign up here: https://x.gldn.io/e/UKeQZGmz52b

://www.facebook.com/SalArmyOmaha
://www.facebook.com/SalArmyWstDivVolunteer

Family Meals of Hope - from The Salvation Army of Omaha - serves families in need by bringing free, nutritious dinnertime meals directly to conveniently located public places and serving them up food-truck style.

Family Meals of Hope will run each weeknight - except for holidays - during the summertime.

The 2026 season will run from June 1 through July 31.

Adjutant Louise G. Young was one of many courageous young Salvation Army women who served on the front lines in WWI. Her legacy continues to inspire generations. ❤️

Tap the link to read her story. 🍩 https://www.thewarcry.org/articles/louise-young/

📷 Photographs courtesy of the Young family |

Whether you’re a student looking for experience or service hours, a retiree with time to help, or someone looking to give back on a Saturday morning, we make it simple to connect your heart for service with a local need.

Find volunteer opportunities in your community and join us in creating a lasting impact where it matters most. Sign up: https://volunteer.central.salvationarmyusa.org/

This Friday is National Donut Day and we want to invite everyone to stop in, say hi, meet our new Area Commanders, Majors Matt and Mindie O'Neil, and grab a free Hy-Vee donut! While you are here, learn more about what's happening or coming up at The Salvation Army here in Greater Des Moines and how you can help.
Friday, June 5, 2026
8 AM to 10 AM
The Salvation Army Capital Area Command Office
1400 NW 100th St., Clive, IA 50325
We especially want to invite leaders from our many community partners including, but not limited to (sorry Facebook won't let us tag that many😁):
Community State Bank North Risk Partners Scheels Iowa State Bank Bank Iowa Polk County Emergency Management Agency, Iowa Pepsi Whitfield & Eddy Law KDSM FOX 17 Lou Iowa Live Northwest Bank DSM Breakerz Creative Visions Human Development Institute West Des Moines Fire Department West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Clive Chamber of Commerce Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Des Moines Police Des Moines Fire Department