National Doughnut Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year, honoring the Salvation Army 'Doughnut Lassies' who provided comfort and support to soldiers by serving them doughnuts on the front lines during World War I. Today, it's a popular occasion for bakeries and shops to offer free or discounted doughnuts, celebrating the beloved fried pastry and its historical significance.
Observed each year on June 7, National Doughnut Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The holiday originated in 1938 in Chicago as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the 'Doughnut Lassies' of WWI.
During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers would make and serve fresh doughnuts to American soldiers in the trenches of France, providing a morale boost and a taste of home.
Quick facts
- DateJune 7
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
- Write a note or journal entry on why National Doughnut Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
- Plan something small on June 7: a quick nod to National Doughnut Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
- Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
- Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
- Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Doughnut, or play music that matches the mood.
Fun facts
- The holiday originated in 1938 in Chicago as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army to help those in need during the Great Depression and to commemorate the 'Doughnut Lassies' of WWI.
- During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers would make and serve fresh doughnuts to American soldiers in the trenches of France, providing a morale boost and a taste of home.
- The iconic doughnut hole is often credited to mid-19th-century New England ship captain Hanson Gregory, who reportedly punched holes in his mother's fried dough to ensure even cooking.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
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FAQ
- When is National Doughnut Day?
- It is observed on June 7 each year.
- What is National Doughnut Day?
- National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year, honoring the Salvation Army 'Doughnut Lassies' who provided comfort and support to soldiers by serving them doughnuts on the front lines during World War I. Today, it's a popular occasion for bakeries and shops to offer free or discounted doughnuts, celebrating the beloved fried pastry and its historical significance.
- How do people celebrate National Doughnut Day?
- Write a note or journal entry on why National Doughnut Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
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