06/02/2026
What is National Donut Day?
It was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to American soldiers during World War I and to raise funds during the Great Depression.
Female volunteers from the Salvation Army traveled to France to support American troops. These women operated small service huts near the front lines, providing baked goods, coffee, and comforts to soldiers who were often far from home. Due to limited kitchen facilities at the front, volunteers Margaret Sheldon and Helen Purviance devised a way to fry donuts, often using soldiers’ helmets as frying pans.
The donuts became immensely popular among troops, boosting morale and providing a symbolic taste of home. Over time, the volunteers earned the affectionate nickname "Donut Girls" or "Doughnut Lassies"
The first National Donut Day was celebrated in Chicago in 1938. The Salvation Army created the holiday both to honor the wartime contributions of the Doughnut Lassies and to raise funds for those struggling during the Great Depression.
The event gradually grew in popularity, spreading beyond Chicago and eventually becoming a nationwide annual observance on the first Friday of June.
Today, National Donut Day continues to celebrate both the beloved pastry and the charitable spirit that inspired the holiday. Many donut shops offer free donuts or special promotions to mark the occasion.
Beyond free treats, the day also serves as an opportunity to support community causes and participate in charitable activities, reflecting the original intent of the Salvation Army fundraiser.
While the day primarily honors the donuts themselves, it also commemorates acts of kindness and morale-boosting service during difficult times, turning a simple treat into a symbol of comfort, community, and generosity.
In summary, National Donut Day is both a fun food holiday and a historical tribute to the women volunteers of the Salvation Army who made a meaningful contribution to the welfare of soldiers during World War I, later inspiring a tradition that blends celebration with philanthropy. (copied and pasted from Wikipedia)
