Today is: National Doughnut Day
National Doughnut Day, also known as National Donut Day, is an annual event that was started by the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army, first being held in 1938. It was created to honor the "Lassies," "Doughnut Girls," or "Doughnut Dollies" who had served doughnuts to servicemen in Europe during World War I. The aim of the day was also to be a fundraiser for Chicago's Salvation Army, in order to help the many people who were suffering on account of the Great Depression.
During World War I, the Salvation Army sent about 250 women volunteers who became known as "Doughnut Dollies" to France. They worked in "huts" near the front lines, where baked goods, supplies, and stamps were available, as were services for mending clothes. As it was hard to get most fresh baked goods this close to the front lines, doughnuts were chosen.