What is National Donut Day?

The Salvation Army in Chicago celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the “Donut Lassies,” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

In 1917, The Salvation Army began a mission to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. soldiers fighting in France during World War I. About 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts located near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and, of course, baked goods.

National Donut Day commemorates those volunteers who cooked donuts on the World War I battlefield, providing nourishment and care for American G.I’s. The pastries were virtually unknown in the United States at the time. During WWI 1917 in France, the Salvation Army lassies made 150 donuts the first day, but they were so popular, the lassies soon were making 9,000 donuts a day for the soldiers often taking them into the trenches!  

When the American G.I’s returned home they wanted donuts; bakeries responded and the donut became an instant success in America and the lassies soon became known as "Donut Lassies." The Salvation Army’s identity with the donut has stuck ever since and National Donut Day gives them a chance to say a humble, thank you for the support they get from the community each year.

National Donut Day occurs on the first Friday of June. This year marks 101 years since the work of the original Donut Lassies. The Salvation Army is celebrating National Donut Day in San Diego by passing out free Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at Belmont Park from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Meet a Donut Lassie from WWI and enjoy a donut with us as we remember this important tradition. For more information about the event, click here. 

On Friday, June 1, shops around the country will participate in the day by giving away free donuts and supporting The Salvation Army. Snap a photo of yourself enjoying your free donut and share using #DonutDay!