From WWI Battlefields to Bakery Cases: Why We Celebrate Donuts

For some of us, we could celebrate National Donut Day every day. Once you learn the true meaning of how it began, you'll see why we have The Salvation Army to thank for National Donut Day, among other things.

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Why Do We Celebrate National Donut Day?

National Donut Day isn't one of those made-up holidays. It actually has a rich history with the Salvation Army and helped bring some sweetness to our soldiers in World War I. Volunteers that were known as the 'Donut Lassies' traveled overseas to bring supplies and provide spiritual compassion and the delicacies we know as the donut to our front-line soldiers.

87 Years of Celebrating

SALVATION ARMY DONUT DAY

Donut Heros

In 1938, the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies were celebrated in Chicago for their service. They didn't swing by a donut shop every morning for the soldiers. They made the donuts with their own special recipe. So now, the first Friday in June is National Donut Day, and it's all thanks to the organization that is still known for 'Doing the Most Good'.

Donut Lassies Recipe

To join The Salvation Army in celebrating National Donut Day and view the Donut Lassies’ original recipe, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/national-donut-day/.

join The Salvation Army in celebrating National Donut Day

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The donut now serves as a symbol of the comfort that The Salvation Army provides to those in need through its many social services programs. The Salvation Army still serves donuts, in addition to warm meals and hydration, to those in need during times of disaster.