Salvation Army marks National Donut Day June 4

Many Delawareans may not be aware that National Donut Day actually has its roots in doing good. Celebrated on the first Friday in June, this sweet tradition dates back to World War I, when nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers known as Donut Lassies traveled overseas to provide emotional and spiritual support as well as fried confections, supplies, and other services to troops on the front lines.

The original donuts were fried in small pans on the front lines, and the Donut Lassies are credited with popularizing the donut in the United States when troops returned from the war. The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Donut Day in 1938 to commemorate their work and help those in need during the Great Depression. That same spirit of service continues to this day. For more than a century, the Salvation Army has provided essential services like food, shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to the most vulnerable, and the men and women serving them.

"Donuts represent our long history of providing hope and comfort, from our volunteers in the trenches to our continued service on the front lines of need," said Maj. Tim Sheehan, Delaware state coordinator. "Knowing that National Donut Day has its roots in the fight for good makes these treats taste even sweeter."

For more information about National Donut Day, including the Donut Lassies' original recipe, visit salarmy.us/DonutDay.