🍩 What Is National Donut Day REALLY About?

Every year, on the first Friday of June, people across the U.S. celebrate National Donut Day with sprinkles, frosting, and maybe even a jelly filling or two. But while this holiday may seem like it’s all about sweet treats, it actually started with something a lot more serious — WWI.

The Donuts That Helped Win Hearts

During World War I, American soldiers were sent to fight in muddy, dangerous trenches far from home. Life was hard. Food was limited. Morale was low. That’s when the Salvation Army stepped in — sending volunteers to the front lines not with weapons, but with kindness… and donuts.

These volunteers included brave women who set up makeshift kitchens near the battlefield. They became known as the Donut Lassies, and they worked with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and oil. Sometimes, they even fried the donuts in soldiers’ helmets when they didn’t have proper pans!

The donuts gave the soldiers more than just a snack — they offered comfort, hope, and a reminder of home.

From Trenches to Tradition

In 1938, the Salvation Army officially created National Donut Day to honor the Donut Lassies and raise money during the Great Depression. At the time, millions of Americans were struggling to find enough to eat, so the event was both a tribute and a fundraiser.

To this day, donut shops across the country celebrate National Donut Day with giveaways and community events — but the true meaning behind the day goes deeper than glaze and sprinkles.

It’s a story about courage, comfort, and community — and the idea that even a small, simple act like making a donut can have a big impact.

Fun Facts About Donuts

🍩 The largest jelly donut ever made weighed over 1.7 tons!🍩 There’s a real Donut Museum in Los Angeles.🍩 Early donuts didn’t have holes — that invention came later!

A Sprinkle of Gratitude

Whether you prefer jelly, chocolate, or classic glaze, National Donut Day is a great reminder that history can be found in the most unexpected places — even in a pastry box.

So next time you bite into a donut, think about the brave women who made them on the battlefield, and how a warm, fried circle of dough helped lift spirits in one of the darkest times in history.

🧠 Discussion Question:

Who in your life deserves a donut today — and why?