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.

Friday is one of the sweetest holidays of the year: National Donut Day! It was founded in 1938 by the Salvation Army in Chicago to honor the “Donut Lassies” — volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War One.