Today, June 2, is the 85th anniversary of National Donut Day, an observance with deep history in American charity. 

“National Donut Day has been celebrated for 85 years thanks to the country’s largest nongovernmental social service provider,” the Salvation Army said in a press release, noting it’s observed each year on the first Friday of June. 

“Some people may not know that when they’re eating a donut on the first Friday of June each year, it’s more than simply a food holiday: It’s a recognition of selfless volunteers who serve people in need,” the release also said.

THE SALVATION ARMY OFFERS EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL SUPPORT AFTER OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: ‘PROVIDING HOPE’

National Donut Day was established in Chicago in 1938 to honor the organization’s “Donut Lassies.”  

These “Donut Lassies” provided an important emotional boost to U.S. soldiers during World War I. 

A “Donut Lassie” from The Salvation Army serves donuts to U.S. troops in WWI. National Donut Day was established to honor these courageous volunteers, said the organization. (The Salvation Army)

In 1917, approximately 250 Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France to set up “small huts” near the front lines. 

These volunteers distributed clothes, supplies and baked goods.

The “Donut Lassies” served up to 9,000 donuts to the troops each day.

“Despite discovering that serving baked goods would be difficult considering the conditions of the huts and the limited rations, two officers — Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance — began frying donuts,” said the Salvation Army. 

WHAT IS NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY? HERE IS HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

The donuts were “a taste of home” for the American soldiers on the battlefield, said The Salvation Army. The “Donut Lassies” served up to 9,000 donuts to the troops each day.

“While the Salvation Army is known for helping 24 million people in the United States, we serve in 133 countries to help bring light to people during times of darkness,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, national commander of the Salvation Army, in the release.

More than a century after the debut of the “Donut Lassies,” the Salvation Army continues to serve donuts (and other meals) to those in need, according to its website.  (The Salvation Army)

“The iconic Donut Lassies represent how that help and hope can look a bit different but can provide service to those who need it the most,” Hodder also said.

More than a century after the debut of the “Donut Lassies,” The Salvation Army continues to serve donuts (and other meals) to those in need, according to their website. 

Donut deals 

Many donut shops are observing National Donut Day with free donuts. 

Donuts are shown on display inside the Krispy Kreme flagship store in Times Square, New York City, on Sept. 15, 2020. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

At participating Duck Donuts locations, customers can get a free donut with the purchase of any beverage, says the company’s website.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: MAY GOD ‘SHIELD US FROM HARM’ AND ‘HEAL OUR LAND’ AS WE ‘TURN FROM SIN’

Krispy Kreme is distributing donuts for free — no purchase required — on National Donut Day, the business tweeted. 

Additionally, the chain is offering a special on its original glazed donuts. 

Duck Donuts is offering a free cinnamon sugar donut, no purchase necessary.

Tim Hortons is similarly offering a free donut with the purchase of a beverage, says its website. 

Facts about the tasty treat

The United States consumes more than 10 billion donuts each year, said the Salvation Army’s fact sheet for National Donut Day. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Both “donut” and “doughnut” are acceptable spellings for the tasty treat — and Boston, Massachusetts, has more donut shops per capita than any other U.S. city, the Salvation Army also says.

Participating Dunkin’ locations are giving away free donuts with the purchase of a beverage for National Donut Day. (Xavi Lopez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The record for the “heaviest doughnut” was set on January 21, 1993, in a joint effort by Utica-based Hemstrought’s Bakeries, Donato’s Bakery and local radio station WKLL-FM.

The filled doughnut came in at a whopping 3,739 pounds, according to the Guinness World Record website.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Englishwoman Leah Shutkever holds the record for “Most jam doughnuts eaten in three minutes,” says Guinness. 

She consumed 10 of these on May 16, 2020.