National Donut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June each year. It was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army in Chicago to honor the "Donut Lassies"—volunteers who served donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. The day was also created as a fundraiser during the Great Depression to support the organization's social service programs. Over time, it has grown into a lighthearted national celebration of one of America's favorite sweet treats, with bakeries and donut shops often offering free donuts to mark the occasion.