Get a Free Doughnut, and History Lesson, Today

Today is National Doughnut Day, and area Dunkin’ Donuts are getting in on the action by offering free doughnuts. But it turns out there’s more to today than a tempting treat.

This year marks the 73rd National Doughnut Day, an event created by the Salvation Army. It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the Salvation Army is credited with introducing the sweet treat to Americans.

During World War I, Salvation Army “lassies,” who worked on the front lines getting essential personal items to soldiers, distributed doughnuts to troops in Europe. Concerned with getting front-line soldiers food quickly, two lassies even devised a way to fry the doughnuts in helmets. (Click here for the doughnut lassies' original recipe.)

Previously a European delicacy, the doughnut’s popularity grew stateside when soldiers—known as “doughboys,” although not because of the doughnut phenomenon—returned home.

The first National Doughnut Day, celebrated in Chicago in 1938, had a threefold purpose: it celebrated the doughnut lassies’ work, it raised funds for the Salvation Army’s work as the Great Depression raged and it also helped distribute food to needy people during the Great Depression. 

Doughnuts soon became synonymous with the Salvation Army’s work to help Americans in need, according to the organization.

Today, the Salvation Army uses National Doughnut Day to highlight hunger issues and Americans who need a helping hand. 

“When they’re eating a doughnut, we ask the public to remember those less fortunate,” said Jennifer Byrd, the Salvation Army’s national public relations director, “especially those who have recently been affected the tornadoes and terrible storms around the country.”

Nationwide, the Salvation Army will pair with local organizations to raise money for America’s needy populations.

Those who want to help can “like” baked goods manufacturer Entenmann’s on Facebook—the company will donate $1 to the Salvation Army for every new “like” through the end of day. Or, supporters can make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army by texting “DONUT” to 80888.

And, of course, don’t forget to pick up a free donut. With the purchase of any beverage, Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free doughnut all day Friday. Grab one at the company's locations on Mantua Pike or Kings Highway locally, or find another location with the company’s store locator.