This is Not a Drill! It’s National Donut Day!

This is not a drill! Run, don’t walk to your favorite bakery because it’s National Donut Day! I also heard that means they are zero calories today. OK, maybe that’s a lie, but since it’s an official holiday, you should definitely treat yourself anyway.  I have my favorite spots for various types of pastry goodness, and I’m sure y’all do too!

From cronuts at Gramps, good ole Chocolate Long John’s at Rolling Pin, to the delicious assortment at the brand-new Baker’s Dozen, I am always happy to celebrate fried dough covered in sprinkles!

Did you know, this national holiday has patriotic beginnings?  Back in World War I, The Salvation Army “Lassies” served donuts and coffee to the troupes to raise their spirits.

The organization found that having a communal space to gather and socialize lifted the soldier’s spirits. Also known as “Doughnut Girls,” these women served as motherly figures often repairing uniforms and providing the young men with stamps and supplies to write home.

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Later in 1934, at the Chicago World’s Fair, an invention was introduced that could mass-produce these delectable bad boys to the public.  Not too long after that, in 1938, the Salvation Army decided to continue its quest to put smiles on faces with donuts when they started a fundraiser to benefit folks struggling from The Great Depression.

Although there is no record of an official declaration or presidential announcement, Donut Day is recognized nationally because of the military history behind it.  Those Salvation Army Lassies did the Lord’s work and served our country in such an important way.  My bad days don’t come anywhere close to what our armed forces had to endure, but a warm donut has never made one worse!