National Salvation Army Week Begins May 10

May 04, 2004 08:23 AM EDT

The Salvation Army is celebrating its 125th year of service in the name of Jesus Christ across the U.S. Designated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the second week of May has been recognized as National Salvation Army Week, every year. The Salvation Army is planning to organize various worship events during the week of May 10-16 at the local level across the nation.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Homestead Steel Valley Worship and Service Center’s Community Festival will be held in honor of the Army week. People from the community are invited to join the celebration which will begin with the performance by the Army’s Northside Youth Choir and Dance Team, followed by the Army’s Westside Timbrelists, Singing Company and Mime Group.

One special treat offered by the Salvation Army during the week is their donuts, known as The Salvation Army Famous Doughnut, which were served by a Salvation Army Lassie during the time of World War I for the hungry American soldiers. The donuts will be served nationwide for free, as they are made in the same WW I style.

The Salvation Army, which runs both as a chapel and a social service organization, began in London, England in 1865. Today, it offers various services and programs to help people in poverty around the world in 109 countries. Its humanitarian effort to uplift battle against poverty is ongoing.