National Donut Day Has an Unbelievable WWI Origin Story

Run, don’t walk, to your favorite bakery because June 5th, 2026, is National Donut Day! We don't need a special holiday to enjoy a chocolate long john, but having a festive excuse to grab one may make you feel less guilty about indulging. Especially considering we honor our nation's history when we celebrate this day.

How "Donut Girls" Fueled WWI

Did you know, this national holiday has patriotic beginnings?  Back in World War I, the Salvation Army “Lassies” served donuts and coffee to the troops to raise their spirits. The organization found that having a communal space to gather and socialize lifted the soldiers’ spirits. Also known as “Doughnut Girls,” these women served as motherly figures, often repairing uniforms and providing the young men with stamps and supplies to write home.

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My friend Alyssa is a modern-day "Donut Lassy" at the Rolling Pin Pastry Shop in Owensboro, KY. She shared this on Facebook, "With limited materials, they would roll out the dough with old wine bottles and fry the donuts using the soldiers' (nicknamed 'Doughboys') helmets." So resourceful! I had no idea that's where the term "Doughboy" came from, either. Pretty cool!

Chicago World's Fair & Donut Fundraisers

Later in 1934, at the Chicago World’s Fair, an invention was introduced that could mass-produce these delectable bad boys for the public.  Not too long after that, in 1938, the Salvation Army continued its delicious quest to put smiles on faces. They launched a donut fundraiser to benefit folks struggling during the Great Depression. Soon after, the "Donut Lassies" would bring the donuts back to the front lines of WW2.

Donuts Make Everything Better

"So, now every year on the first Friday in June to remember those women and remember that time in our history, we celebrate National Donut Day," Alyssa said. Although there is no record of an official declaration or presidential announcement, Donut Day is recognized nationally because of the military history behind it.  Here's some actual footage of the Lassies at work:

Where is Your Favorite Donut Shop?

Those Salvation Army Lassies did the Lord’s work and served our country by improving morale for the fellas fighting for freedom. My bad days don’t come anywhere close to what they had to endure, but a warm donut has never made one worse! Am I right? Where are you celebrating? Chime in on the Facebook page or on the App.

Rolling Pin Spin to Win!

Our friends at The Rolling Pin Pastry Shop give you the chance to win a free dozen donuts every Tuesday with our Rolling Pin Spin to Win! We randomly draw 12 names each week to go on the picker wheel. The name the wheel lands on is the lucky winner! If you haven't signed up yet, click here.