This Friday marks National Donut Day in the US, but many fans of the sweet pastry treat may not realize the event is connected to The Salvation Army and to veterans.

It’s more than free treats! We celebrate with sprinkles, history, and sweet deals across the country. National Donut Day was started in 1938 by Chicago’s Salvation Army in order to honor the Donut Lassies that began serving during World War One.

The Salvation Army celebrated National Donut Day on Friday, a tradition dating back to World War I where a group of women called the Donut Lassies would provide coffee and