Today Is National Donut Day, and You Can Thank the Salvation Army for That

Today, Friday, June 7 is the 86th annual celebration of National Donut Day.  And even though most of us don’t need a reason to enjoy a donut, there are free donut deals to be had from retail chains around the country.

National Donut Day or National Doughnut Day was started in 1938 during The Great Depression in Chicago, Illinois by The Salvation Army.  It was created as a fundraiser with two goals – to help those in need and to honor the Christian ministry’s “Donut Lassies” who traveled to France during World War 1 to serve donuts and other refreshments to American soldiers. 

More than 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France, according to the Salvation Army.

The donuts prepared by the Salvation Army’s volunteers are reported to have been an “instant hit” with thousands of soldiers as many of them visited the ministry’s “huts” to grab some baked goods, writing materials, and other frontline essentials. 

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Salvation Army Ensign Margaret Sheldon wrote of one busy day: “Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee.”

Want to make a tasty donut just like the Salvation Army? Click here to see the original donut recipe from World War 1.  And remember to invite your friends over when you make them. The recipe will make 60 donuts. 

If you don’t have time to make your own, here’s how you can snag a free donut TODAY at several retail donut makers while supplies last. 

• Participating Dunkin’ stores across the country are offering customers a free classic donut of their choice with the purchase of a beverage. 
• Krispy Kreme locations are offering a free donut of any kind on their menu. No purchase is necessary. 
• Duck Donuts is also giving away a free cinnamon sugar donut in all of its stores. No purchase is necessary. 
• Shipley Do-Nuts was giving its customers one free glazed donut with a purchase online or in-store.

Be sure to check other local donut shops in your area for other National Donut Day deals on their social media pages or websites. 

Social media was filled with many fun images celebrating National Donut Day. But one post by the Cedar Park Police Department in Texas caught our eye. These guys are working hard for their donuts.