June 1 is National Doughnut Day

It’s the time of year where gyms are marketing in full force to get bikini ready. Ironically, June 1st is National Doughnut Day. Many doughnut stores offer free doughnuts on National Doughnut Day including:

● Dunkin’ Donuts: Free donut of choice with purchase of any beverage.

● Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: One free doughnut (any variety) per guest. No purchase necessary.

National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to help the hungry during the Great Depression and to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army “Lassies” of WWI.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. 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 of 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”.

There’s actually a DonutUSA website devoted to this special event.

To celebrate National Donut Day, pick up a freshly baked donut or buy a box to share with friends, family, and coworkers!