The Real Story Behind National Donut Day
Everyone is talking about today being National Doughnut (Donut) Day, but did you know it has an actual meaning?
Shortly after World War I began, The Salvation Army conducted a fact finding mission in France to see how they could boost troop morale. They discovered the troops could use baked goods, writing supplies and stamps, and a clothes-mending service at various locations.
The baked goods were difficult to obtain, so two Salvation Army volunteers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, came up with the idea of making doughnuts. The doughnuts were an instant hit. The troops affectionately called Margaret, Helen, and the other doughnut makers “Doughnut Dollies.”
In 1938, the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army decided to make the first Friday of June each year “Doughnut Day.” The goal was help raise funds through the sales of doughnuts for the needy during the Great Depression and to honor the “Doughnut Dollies” who boosted the morale of US troops during World War I.
And that’s the history of Doughnut Day!
Now…who wants one?
