The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans

National Doughnut, or Donut, Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday in June. This tradition started in 1938 in Chicago as a tribute to the Salvation Army’s ‘Doughnut Lassies’ that aided soldiers during World War I. 

In addition to honoring the women who provided doughnuts and coffee to U.S. soldiers fighting in France, National Doughnut Day began as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army in Chicago. These efforts would help the poor and those in need during the Great Depression of that era.