National Donut/Doughnut Day

National Donut/Doughnut Day is observed on the first Friday of June, celebrating one of the world’s most beloved sweet treats. From classic glazed rings and powdered sugar varieties to filled pastries and creative gourmet flavors, the day invites people to enjoy the delicious diversity of donuts—and perhaps share a box with family, friends, or coworkers.

The observance also honors the “Doughnut Lassies,” Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts and coffee to soldiers during World War I. National Donut/Doughnut Day began as a way to recognize their compassionate service and support the Salvation Army’s charitable work. Today, it remains both a cheerful food celebration and an opportunity to remember the spirit of generosity behind it.

National Donut/Doughnut Day is observed on the first Friday of June. Its origins are closely associated with the Salvation Army’s service during World War I, when female volunteers known as “Doughnut Lassies” prepared and served coffee and doughnuts to American soldiers near the front lines in France. Because the treats could be made with limited equipment and familiar ingredients, they offered a small reminder of home and became a memorable part of the soldiers’ wartime experience.

The observance was formally established in the United States in 1938 by the Salvation Army. It was created both to honor the volunteers who supported troops during World War I and to raise funds for the organization’s charitable work during the Great Depression. The first Friday of June was selected for the annual commemoration, linking a popular food tradition with the Salvation Army’s broader history of emergency assistance, social services, and wartime relief.

Over time, National Donut/Doughnut Day developed beyond its original fundraising purpose. Bakeries, restaurants, and community organizations began marking the occasion with free or discounted doughnuts, special promotions, and historical displays. The day also helped popularize the story of the Doughnut Lassies, whose work became part of the wider cultural memory of women’s contributions to military relief and support services.

Today, the observance combines remembrance, charity, and popular food culture. Doughnuts are celebrated as an enduring American comfort food, while the day’s historical meaning emphasizes generosity and morale during periods of hardship. Although spelling varies between “donut” and “doughnut,” both forms refer to the same observance, which remains anchored to the first Friday of June.