What’s your favorite doughnut? Glazed, nutty or a cinnamon twist? Creme-filled or topped with chocolate or vanilla frosting? Well, today is the day to enjoy a sweet sugary doughnut with your morning coffee because it is National Donut Day.
National Doughnut Day is always celebrated on the first Friday in June, which this year, is June 5. The day honors the Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I. It is also used as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.
The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917, according to holidayinsights.com. During WWI, Salvation Army “lassies” were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home-cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the metal helmet of an American soldier.
The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army’s “first doughnut girl”.
On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shop, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause.
