For the second time, the Austin Salvation Army will participate in National Doughnut Days.

Doughnut Days will be May 17 and 18 in Austin. Volunteers will seek donations for the Salvation Army at Hormel gates during shift changes on May 17, with a doughy incentive. On May 18, volunteers will be at area businesses, including Walmart, Hy-Vee, Jim’s Supervalu, Sterling Main Street, Shopko and Dollar Tree from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who donate will also receive a coupon from either Hy-Vee, Donut Connection or Kwik Trip, along with some history about Doughnut Days.

“This is a fun event that not only helps us to raise funds for our programs, it also helps people to understand our heritage of helping those in need,” said Lt. David Amick of the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army started National Doughnut Day during the Great Depression as a way to raise funds and awareness for its organization. The idea came from World War I, when Salvation Army workers served doughnuts and coffee to soldiers in the trenches.

The Austin Salvation Army is celebrating its 60th anniversary week.