Today is “Doughnut Day”

The Salvation Army is celebrating the 78th annual National Doughnut Day, today, June 5 by giving away 2,000 free doughnuts. A little-known fact is that the Salvation Army is widely credited with popularizing the doughnut by feeding Allied soldiers the tasty treat on the front lines in France during World War I.

They are honoring our veterans with a celebration of Doughnut Day at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans today from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. The Salvation Army and numerous volunteers will be distributing free Krispy Kreme doughnuts to the vets to commemorate this important date. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is located at 3000 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, 49505. And, even better news, they will be bringing doughnuts to our studios, 100.5 The River, a part of Townsquare Media.

National Doughnut Day was first officially celebrated in Chicago in 1938 to help the needy during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of The Salvation Army “doughnut lassies” who served soldiers during World War I. The first Friday in June each year marks an important date in American food history and raises awareness for the critical services that The Salvation Army provides to those in need each day.