Martha Mansfield, Donut Fundraiser

A photo of Martha Mansfield, silent movie star, selling donuts (for a dollar each) to raise funds for the Salvation Army. The men are flocking!

In 1938, the Salvation Army in Chicago created a day to honor the "Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War 1 and to raise funds for those who were suffering during the Depression. National Doughnut Day - the first Friday in June - was born.

The history: While serving baked goods to soldiers in France, two women in the Salvation Army (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance) came up with the idea of serving doughnuts - which were easier to make and serve. Sometimes, donuts were even made in soldiers' helmets! Serving donuts to soldiers became a tradition and it was even done during World War 2. It also became a common fundraiser for the Salvation Army - and even some large donut chains give free doughnuts on this day.