The Salvation Army stopped by the Huntley Fire Protection District, Huntley Police Department and Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District among many other departments on Friday to deliver donuts to first responders. | Provided Photos

The Salvation Army surprised police departments, fire departments and 911 dispatch centers in McHenry County with 1,200 donuts on National Donut Day to thank them for their service.

The Salvation Army of McHenry County made stops in Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Harvard, Huntley, Marengo, McHenry and Woodstock on Friday.

The outreach was a part of The Salvation Army’s 85th anniversary and celebration of National Donut Day.

The day was established in 1938 in recognition of the bravery of volunteer Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies” who joined soldiers’ on the front lines during World War I.

The Salvation Army stopped by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office along with many other agencies in McHenry County on Friday to deliver donuts to first responders. | Provided Photo

The Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up makeshift huts to provide soldiers with essential supplies, emotional and spiritual support, and freshly baked donuts.

Salvation Army officials said the sweet treat did more than raise spirits by bringing comfort and a taste of home to those who risked their lives.

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Barbara McDonel, volunteer and community relations manager of The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps, said the delivery to McHenry County first responders “is just a small way” they can say thank you to the responders.

“In the spirit of volunteer Salvation Army “Donut Lassies” who provided fresh donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I to help boost morale, the delivery of these storied sweet treats is just a small way we can say thank you to the first responders who bravely protect and care for our neighbors in McHenry County every day,” McDonel said.

Friday’s surprise Donut Day deliveries in McHenry County were to thank first responders for their bravery in serving the community daily, The Salvation Army said.