Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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2026

june

National Donut Day Was Created by The Salvation Army. Now Southern Oregon Is Celebrating With a 33 Location Donut Challenge.

Taste Good. Do Good. Donut Challenge Launches June 5 to Honor the Historic Donut Lassies While Supporting Local Children, Families, and Veterans

MEDFORD, Ore. (June 5, 2026) — Millions of Americans will celebrate National Donut Day on June 5, but few realize the holiday was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the courageous "Donut Lassies," women volunteers who served donuts, coffee, comfort, and encouragement to American soldiers on the front lines of World War I.

Now, nearly a century later, The Salvation Army is bringing that history to life through Southern Oregon's first ever Taste Good. Do Good. Donut Challenge, a month long community celebration featuring 33 participating locations across Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Launching on National Donut Day and continuing throughout June, the challenge invites community members to visit participating restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, and specialty eateries offering creative donut inspired menu items. Along the way, participants can collect punches on their challenge cards, vote for their favorite creation, and become eligible to win fabulous prizes after visiting five or more locations.

Featured menu items range from classic handmade donuts and gourmet pastries to specialty coffees, mochi donuts, Viennese inspired treats, and creative culinary creations such as Maple Bacon Donut Burgers and donut inspired pizzas.

"More than 100 years ago, Salvation Army Donut Lassies brought hope and comfort to soldiers serving far from home," said Major Randy Mulch of The Salvation Army. "National Donut Day was created to honor their service and sacrifice. We're excited to continue that tradition by bringing our community together in a fun and meaningful way that supports local businesses while helping local children, families, and veterans."

The challenge benefits local Salvation Army programs that address childhood hunger, homelessness, emergency assistance, and services for veterans throughout Southern Oregon. Last year alone, The Salvation Army served more than 5,000 local children through food assistance, housing support, school supplies, seasonal assistance, camps, and youth programs.

"We're excited to be part of something that brings people together around great food and a great cause," said Jessica Cahill of Decant. "The challenge celebrates local businesses while creating a positive impact throughout our community."

"Community is at the center of everything we do," said Emmanuel Flores, owner of Code 4 Tap House. "Taste Good. Do Good. gives people a fun reason to explore local businesses while helping support local children and veterans. That's a win for everyone."

One of the newest additions to the challenge is Court Street Donuts, which will officially open its doors on Tuesday, June 10.

"We're thrilled to open during such a meaningful community celebration," said Kyle Thomson, owner of Court Street Donuts. "Donuts have always been about bringing people together, and we're honored to join other local businesses in supporting The Salvation Army and helping make a difference right here in Southern Oregon."

Adding to the fun, community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Donut Squad, featuring Captain Donut, Donut Lassie, and Sprinkles, who will be making appearances at participating businesses and community events throughout the month.

"The Donut Lassies showed us that something as simple as a donut can communicate hope, kindness, and community," said Major Mulch. "That's exactly what we're celebrating throughout June."

Challenge cards, voting information, prize details, participating locations, and event updates can be found at:

www.TasteGoodDoGood.net

Participating Locations

Participating locations span communities throughout Southern Oregon and include multiple locations of several local favorites, including Barney's Burgers, Sweet Tea Express, Crackin' & Stackin', Kona Bento, Decant, Code 4 Tap House, Court Street Donuts, Ashland Hawaiian Hut, The Jelly Donut, Ray's Bakery, Tailholt Coffee, Solid Ground Coffee, Mochi Donut House, Figaro's Pizza, Tartine, House of Glory, The Cupcake Company, and many more.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been meeting human needs without discrimination since 1865. Throughout Southern Oregon, The Salvation Army provides food assistance, housing support, youth programs, emergency financial assistance, veteran services, disaster response, and seasonal programs that help thousands of local children, families, seniors, and veterans each year.

April

Salvation Army unveils disaster services canteen in Jackson County

By Oscar Rodriguez

Apr 1, 2026 Updated Apr 1, 2026

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore -- The Salvation Army of Jackson County has unveiled a new Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) canteen, a fully equipped mobile kitchen designed to provide food, drinks and support during emergencies, disasters, and community crises.

The vehicle, received within the past month, was fully funded by the Lilly Endowment, according to local Salvation Army officials.

“This is about helping people with presence to say we’re here, we support you, and we care,” said Major Randy Gulch. “Whether it’s a cup of cold water, a plate of food, or just pointing someone in the right direction, we want to help.”

The canteen is self-contained and built for rapid deployment. It includes its own generator for power, a full kitchen setup with pots and pans, a stove, a flat top grill, a two-door refrigerator for food storage and a dedicated drink station. Gulch described it as “a fully functional kitchen like you would have in a food truck.”

The Salvation Army plans to deploy the vehicle into the community at least once a month, both for outreach. Officials are also organizing volunteers to support the effort, with a focus on building a team trained in food service and disaster response.

“We’re working on a schedule and building a stronger volunteer base to support this,” Gulch said. “There are a lot of pieces that go into being ready.”

Gulch said the goal is to assemble a team of about 20 volunteers who can operate in small groups of three during emergency situations.

While expressing hope that large-scale disasters remain rare, Gulch emphasized the importance of preparation.

“On one side, I pray we don’t have disasters,” he said. “But I know they happen. We’re grateful to have this equipment, to bring people together, and to be ready if and when those moments come.”

The community will be able to see the EDS canteen in the Pearl Blossom Parade on April 11th.

Oscar Rodriguez is a multimedia journalist at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Oscar at orodriguez@kdrv.com.

2025

August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2025

The Salvation Army Hosts TODAY Backpack & School Supply Distribution for Local Kids

Medford, OR – Today only, The Salvation Army has transformed its Community Hall into a vibrant “school shopping center” to help hundreds of local children prepare for the new school year. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., children will receive brand-new backpacks and essential school supplies—carefully matched to their school’s required supply list—with the help of a personal volunteer “shopper.”

“This is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Major Jonnette Mulch of The Salvation Army. “We believe every child deserves to start school with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Seeing their faces light up as they pick out their own supplies is pure joy—and a reminder of how much our community cares.”

The event ensures that each child leaves with exactly what they need for the upcoming school year, easing the financial burden on families and giving students the best possible start. Media are welcome to attend, capture the excitement, and help share the story of community generosity in action.

WHAT: Backpack & School Supply Distribution Day
WHEN: TODAY, August 14, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Salvation Army Community Hall, 304 Beatty Street Medford, OR
WHO: Hundreds of local children and families, volunteers, and community supporters

If your child is still need of school supplies and you have not signed up, please call The Salvation Army today to be scheduled for a make-up appointment.