Thank the Salvation Army for National Doughnut Day
WASHINGTON, June 5 (UPI) — National Doughnut Day, the sweet-toothed holiday that comes around on the first Friday of June, wasn’t always a commercialized excuse to dig in to a dozen.
Actually, it stemmed from the Salvation Army’s efforts to comfort soldiers on the battlefield during the first world war, when “dough girls” would serve the sugary treats with coffee for free. Because food rations were relatively meager at the time, the organization took it upon itself to fry-up its own snacks for the men.
When U.S. soldiers returned from war, they still craved the warm treats distributed by the Salvation Army, creating quite a demand at home.
The national holiday became official in 1938 in honor of the Salvation Army’s help during both world wars and its unique way of uplifting servicemen.
To celebrate National Doughnut Day, restaurants serving the delectable are either giving them away for free or including them with the purchase of another menu item. Popular donut chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts are both participating in the celebration. A full list of donut chains and other businesses celebrating National Doughnut Day can be found here.
