06/03/2026
National Donut Day is an annual celebration held on the first Friday in June that honors the history of donuts and recognizes the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
The holiday was created by the Salvation Army in 1938 to:
* Honor the "Doughnut Lassies" who served soldiers during World War I
* Raise funds to help people during the Great Depression
* Commemorate the women who boosted troop morale by making donuts
During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers faced incredible challenges:
* They initially made donuts in soldiers' metal helmets
* Started by making just 150 donuts per day
* Eventually produced up to 9,000 donuts daily for troops
* The treats became a symbol of comfort and home for soldiers
Today, National Donut Day is celebrated by:
* Offering free donuts at bakeries and coffee shops
* Recognizing the historical significance of the treat
* Enjoying various donut varieties
* Supporting local bakeries
Many major chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts participate by offering free donuts to customers, continuing the spirit of generosity that began with the original "Doughnut Lassies".
