Commissioners Proclaim Friday National Donut Day In Hays County

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Enjoy a doughnut on June 7 to celebrate National Doughnut/Donut Day for the Salvation Army, proclaimed Tuesday by the Hays County Commissioners Court.

National Doughnut/Donut Day began in 1938 as a fund-raiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army to help those in need during the Great Depression, and to honor the Salvation Army volunteers (mostly women) who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War 1.

The Salvation Army’s original intent was to serve baked-on-site goodies for the soldiers, but that proved difficult given the closeness to the front lines. The “huts” staffed by Salvation Army volunteers also provided letter-writing materials and stamps, and clothes-mending services.

Two Salvation Army volunteers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, came up with the idea of providing doughnuts, which became an instant hit with the troops. Since most of the volunteers were women, they became known as “Doughnut Girls.”

The Salvation Army also provides mobile canteens for civilians and first responders during peacetime emergencies, such as floods, earthquakes, blackouts, and fires. On June 7 the Salvation Army will be making the rounds of area first responder stations to offer doughnuts.