Dollies And Doughboys: The History Of National Doughnut Day

We don't need a reason to celebrate doughnuts…but here's one anyway.

It's National Doughnut Day, and unlike many unofficial holidays (“National Corn on the Cob Day,” anyone?) Doughnut Day actually has century-old roots. It's a story of war, charity, and fried dough.

At least in part, Americans' love for doughnuts can be traced back to World War I. After the U.S. entered the war, the Salvation Army decided to send volunteers to set up social centers that provided some services, a hot cup of coffee, and eventually, doughnuts.

While it was unfamiliar to many servicemen, the treat (sometimes fried in a soldier's own helmet because of scarce resources) became a hit. So did the Salvation Army volunteers who served them: they eventually became known as the "Doughnut Dollies" or “Lassies.”

Major James Allison with the Salvation Army of Winston-Salem says servicemen coming home brought their love for the fried dough home with them, securing the doughnut's place in American hearts.

“The soldiers came home from World War I and talked about the doughnuts, and their children told their children, and so on and so on,” Allison says. “So today, we're able to enjoy doughnuts and feel really good about having one or two…or three.”

The holiday itself was also started by the Salvation Army. In 1938, the Chicago arm of the organization created it to remember the “Lassies” and to raise money for people hit hard by the Great Depression.

And while National Doughnut Day has become known as the day to find a free doughnut (who could say no to that?), it remains an important fundraiser for the charitable organization. The Salvation Army has partnered with Winston-Salem's own Krispy Kreme to help raise money to serve people in need.

But Allison also sees the pastry as something of a symbol. Along with providing meals and other services, the Salvation Army still often serves doughnuts to people affected by disaster. Allison sees a through-line from the Great War to today.

“What brought comfort to the soldiers – many, many years ago as they fought for our freedom in France – to this day, still brings comfort to the family, the individual eating the doughnut,” he says.