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A Brief History of National Doughnut Day

June 1, 2018 by
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Way way back in 1938…

The Salvation Army in Chicago created this event to honor the “Donut Lassies” who served doughnuts to WWI soldiers. The event was used as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression.

Ever since, its been celebrated on the first Friday in June and it remains a fundraiser today. The Salvation Army is hosting a series of “Do Good Donut Parties” to serve more than 10,000 doughnuts to Veterans across America.

Who were these “Donut Lassies”?

In 1917, about 250 “Donut Lassies” went to France and handmade doughnuts and served coffee to soldiers coming off the front lines. Their mission was actually much larger than just handing over freshly baked, doughy goodness — but to give spiritual aid and comfort to soldiers. Or as the Salvation Army puts it, “to be a link with home and family.”

The whole idea was obviously an instant hit — shocker — and one volunteer, Ensign Margaret Sheldon, even came up an ingenious idea to fry the doughnuts in soldiers’ helmets.

Doughnut or Donut?

It doughnut matter. But if you’ve got a hankering for the best thing ever created head over to Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme, or Walmart we’re they’re serving them out free today.

If you can’t celebrate today, then mark your calendar for International Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day on June 9 and National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day on September 14. Or you can just pick-up a box of protein doughnuts from Dough Bar.

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