The Marietta Police Department spent the day Friday at Dunkin’ Donuts from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. for National Doughnut Day.
Their purpose? To raise money for Special Olympics of Georgia. According to a FOX 5 News article, the officers also sold shirts and hats.
National Doughnut Day, which is celebrated in the United States, is on the first Friday of June each year, succeeding the Doughnut Day event created by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor those of their members who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
About 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France. Because of the difficulties of providing freshly baked goods from huts established in abandoned buildings near to the front lines, two Salvation Army volunteers (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance) came up with the idea of providing doughnuts. These are reported to have been an “instant hit”, and soon many soldiers were visiting The Salvation Army huts.
Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their goal is to help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.
Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop athletic skills, while also promoting the abilities of the athletes off the field. When athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive. Athletes gain skills for employment, learn independent living skills, form relationships and help others understand their extraordinary capabilities despite health issues they experience daily.
Twenty-five different sports are offered. Athletes ranging from age eight through senior participate in Special Olympics, gaining life skills and confidence in their athletic ability. Athletes ages 2-7 may also now participate via a Young Athletes (TM) program.
Through the program, 27,110 Georgia athletes are given the chance to express themselves and test their limits. Contact SOGA at (770) 414-9390 to find out how you can help.
