Springfield first responders mark National Doughnut Day with doughnut-eating contest

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - First responders marked National Doughnut Day with a doughnut-eating contest on Friday in Springfield.

The Salvation Army of Springfield hosted the event, with Mel-O-Cream providing 80 dozen donuts.

Jeff Eddy, an organizer of the event, said it's a way for the Salvation Army to share an important message with the people it serves.

"The mission of the Salvation Army is to bring comfort and help to people in the community. And that's what we want people to bring out of this, is this idea that the Salvation Army is here, we're present, and we're fighting to bring hope and comfort to people," Eddy said.

The Salvation Army partners with first responders because tradition calls for feeding doughnuts to American heroes.