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Local events offer free and special doughnut deals in cities nationwide.
On June 4, 2010, The Salvation Army celebrates the 72nd annual National Doughnut Day with various events including free doughnut giveaways nationwide. The Army is credited with popularizing the doughnut in the U.S. after providing American soldiers with the treat during World War I.
National Doughnut Day began in Chicago in 1938 to help the needy during the Great Depression and to commemorate the work of the “doughnut lassies” who served soldiers during the war.
Among those honored that day were Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, who came up with the idea of frying doughnuts in soldiers’ helmets near the front lines as a quick treat. An instant hit, the doughnuts were brought back to America by returning “doughboys.”
Each year, the first Friday in June commemorates the doughnut’s history and raises awareness of the critical services that The Salvation Army provides every day.
“The Salvation Army serves nearly 70 million meals to those in need each year so there’s no better way to highlight our work than through a great American food,” said Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “So, while everyone enjoys a free doughnut…we hope they’ll also think about giving back to those less fortunate.”
Last year, The Salvation Army—with its 3,600 officers, 63,000 employees and 3.4 million volunteers—provided assistance to about 30 million Americans. The Army has nearly 7,800 centers of operation in almost every ZIP code in the country.
The Salvation Army celebrates National Doughnut Day in partnership with doughnut shops nationwide. Check your area to find a participating location.