A Holiday Worth Celebrating

Every first Friday of June, bakeries across the country roll out free donuts, social media fills up with glazed ring photos, and millions of people find a perfectly good reason to indulge. National Donut Day is one of the most beloved unofficial food holidays on the calendar — and it has a surprisingly meaningful backstory.

The Origin Story: More Than Just Pastry

National Donut Day was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army in Chicago. The day was originally created to honor the volunteers — affectionately known as "Donut Lassies" — who served donuts and comfort to American soldiers on the front lines during World War I.

These women, working in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions, would fry donuts in soldiers' helmets or whatever equipment was available, offering a taste of home to troops stationed far away. The gesture became so iconic that the donut became a symbol of warmth, care, and morale.

When the holiday was established two decades later, it served a dual purpose: honoring that legacy and raising funds for the Salvation Army's charitable work during the Great Depression.

Is There a Second National Donut Day?

Yes! Many calendars also mark November 5th as a second National Donut Day (sometimes called National Doughnut Day). The June date tends to get the most attention and commercial participation, but doughnut enthusiasts are happy to have two occasions.

Fun Facts About Donuts

  • The spelling "donut" was popularized in part by Dunkin' Donuts in the 20th century; "doughnut" remains the traditional spelling.
  • The iconic ring shape is attributed to American sailor Hanson Gregory, who reportedly punched the center out of a fried dough ball in the 1840s to solve an uneven cooking problem.
  • Boston cream, glazed, old fashioned, and jelly-filled are consistently among the most popular varieties in the United States.
  • Donuts are enjoyed in various forms worldwide — from beignets in France to gulab jamun in South Asia to churros in Spain.

How to Celebrate National Donut Day

Whether you're keeping it simple or going all out, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:

  1. Visit a local bakery: Skip the chain and support an independent donut shop in your area.
  2. Make your own: Baked or fried, homemade donuts are a fun kitchen project for families and friends.
  3. Host a donut tasting: Grab a dozen assorted flavors and do a group taste test — everyone picks a favorite.
  4. Share the history: Post about the Salvation Army Donut Lassies and bring some depth to the celebration.
  5. Donate to the Salvation Army: Honor the day's original purpose by contributing to the organization that started it all.

A Day That Brings People Together

National Donut Day may seem like pure silliness on the surface, and that's part of its charm. But knowing the story behind it — the soldiers in the trenches, the women frying dough in helmets, the effort to bring a moment of joy amid hardship — gives the humble donut a whole new layer of meaning. Sometimes the sweetest traditions have the most profound roots.