Which organization started National Donut Day in 1938?

The Salvation Army started National Donut Day in 1938. The holiday was created in Chicago as a fundraiser and to honor the organization’s volunteers who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers operated huts and canteens near the front lines. Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance developed a practical way to provide soldiers with a familiar treat by frying doughnuts in difficult field conditions. The volunteers became popularly known as the “Doughnut Lassies.”

National Donut Day is observed in the United States on the first Friday of June. It is often confused with a military-created holiday because doughnuts were served to troops, but the event’s origin is credited to the Salvation Army. Modern celebrations commonly include doughnut promotions and fundraising for charitable work.