June 1 is National Donut Day, which was inspired by The Salvation Army, and they will be delivering donuts to local veterans groups mid-morning on Friday.

The following veterans groups can expect donut deliveries, provided by Johnson's Bakery in Duluth and Entenmanns's in the Twin Cities:

  • American Legion at 5814 Grand Avenue
  • Duluth Vet Center at 4402 Haines Road
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars at 2023 West Michigan Street
  • Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans at 5209 Ramsey Street

According to the Salvation Army, National Donut Day was started in 1938 in Chicago to honor The Salvation Army “Doughnut Girls", who originated during World War I.  During the war, about 250 volunteers traveled overseas and set up small huts located near the front lines where they could give soldiers clothes, supplies and, of course, baked goods.

However, serving baked goods proved difficult for various reasons.  That's when two volunteers, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, began frying donuts in soldiers’ helmets. These tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers.  The rest, as they say, is history.

 

 

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