The annual Donut 5K race of the Salvation Army in Portsmouth was held Saturday, June 3. Proceeds from the event are allocated towards programs for the hungry and less fortunate.
Lieutenant Jeremiah Eisley of Salvation Army in Portsmouth, said funds raised during Christmas time have been depleted, but the needs still exist.
“This is the Donut Run 5K for hunger. By now we are six months after Christmas and a lot of what we raised, which was a lot during Christmas has kind of tapered off at this point, but the need is still the same,” Eisely said. “So fundraisers like this fund ongoing food and meal programs.”
Through fundraiser efforts such as the Donut 5K race, the Salvation Army of Portsmouth is able to provide a host of programs for those in need in the local community.
“We still are the only hot-meals served five days a week here in the entire county. We have a food pantry where people can come in for grocery sustenance at least once a month. The First Store Program where people can apply for clothing vouchers, children’s programs, adult studies, Narcotics Anonymous,” Eisley said. “All of these programs still go on, and it is events like this that actually fund these programs.”
The goal for the 2016 Donut 5K is $10,000.
“It was actually one of the first acts of service that the Salvation Army did for the United States. In World War I Commander Evangeline Booth, she was the National Commander for the Salvation Army United States,” Eisley said. “She consulted with the Chief of Staffs of the Armed Forces to send Salvation Army volunteers over to the trenches of World War I to help serve the people that were there fighting the war. One of the comforts of home that they brought were donuts. They were easy to make, and could be made with left-over things from the mess halls. So this practical way of reaching a need in as many creative ways as possible, we carry on that tradition today.”
Eisely said this year, they did not actually supply donuts for the race, but did offer hot dogs, coffee and water in lieu of donuts.
Michelle Myrtle, intake caseworker for Portsmouth Salvation Army, said the Donut 5K is a great event which helps many.
“The event goes toward helping the hungry and homeless. We serve meals Monday through Friday,” Myrtle said. “The proceeds from this goes towards helping to continue to providing our programs. I think this a great event because it benefits so many people.”
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