National Doughnut Day

Celebrated on 11/05/2026

Quick Fact

National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the “Donut Lassies” who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. It is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year.

Origins and Establishment of National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day was created by The Salvation Army in 1938 in Chicago to honor the work of their female volunteers who provided doughnuts and other baked goods to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. These volunteers, known as "Donut Lassies," often risked their lives to deliver comfort and a taste of home to troops in France. The first National Doughnut Day served as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the decades, National Doughnut Day has evolved from a Salvation Army fundraising event into a widely recognized celebration of doughnuts. It is now celebrated on the first Friday of June each year. Many doughnut shops and chains offer free doughnuts or special promotions to customers, while The Salvation Army continues to use the day to raise awareness and funds for their charitable programs. The holiday has also become a popular occasion for social media sharing and community events centered around doughnuts.

Facts & General Observations

• Americans consume approximately 10 billion doughnuts each year, with the average person eating about 31 doughnuts annually.
• The largest doughnut ever made weighed over 1.7 tons and was created in Utica, New York, in 1993.
• National Doughnut Day is celebrated not only in the United States but also in several other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, thanks to the global popularity of doughnuts.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.