You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy donuts. And that’s kind of the same thing.
Donuts. This sweet little treat is sweeping the nation today because it’s National Donut Day! The first Friday of June is marked as National Donut Day in the US. Is this just another random and wacky holiday? We did a little digging and you’ll be surprised at the holiday’s sweet history.
National Donut Day was created by The Salvation Army in Chicago, IL back in 1938. It was originally a holiday created to help those in need during the Great Depression and to honor their members that served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
“Doughnut Girls,” as they were called, were female volunteers of The Salvation Army who traveled throughout France to support US soldiers starting in 1917. Over 250 volunteers traveled overseas to set-up donut huts near the front lines. They gave out donuts, coffee, clothes and supplies to soldiers. Because the huts were often difficult to get to, and they were limited by rations, two volunteers – Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance – went off on their own to fry donuts in the soldiers’ helmets. The tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers.
Today, The Salvation Army uses Donut Day as a way to raise awareness and funds to support programs that help the most in need. To commemorate the work the "Doughnut Girls" started, and to demonstrate the impact of a small token of kindness, The Salvation Army will deliver thousands of donuts around the country on National Donut Day. Learn more at SalvationArmyUSA.org.
Got your mouth watering? Grab a treat at one of our local donut shops and bakeries on Friday, June 1. It’s customary to get a FREE donut on National Donut Day, so be sure to ask about their National Donut Day deals. If you're lucky enough to snag a free one, why not give it away -- what a sweet random act of kindness!
Valley Pastries – 2750 Hillsboro Ave N, Golden Valley
Old Fashioned Donut Shoppe – 2720 Douglas Dr N, Crystal
Dunkin’ Donuts – 7820 42nd Ave N, New Hope
Good Day Café – 5410 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley
Café Donuts & Kaleidoscoops – 9408 Dunkirk Ln N, Maple Grove
YoYo Donuts & Coffee Bar – 5757 Sanibel Dr, Minnetonka
Wuollet Bakery – 4139 W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale
Thirsty Whale Bakery – 4149 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis
Hy-Vee – 8200 42nd Ave N, New Hope
Tim Hortons – 8500 Xylon Ave N, Brooklyn Park
Inspired enough to try to make your own donuts? Check out our Donuts Board on Pinterest for baked, fried, vegan and filled recipes!
*Donut Girl image credit: PR News Wire
