Friday marks the 75th National Donut Day, and its origins are even sweeter than the baked goods the holiday celebrates.
Back in 1917, the Salvation Army sent 250 volunteers to France to dole out food and supplies to soldiers fighting on the front lines during World War 1. When the volunteers struggled with their limited resources, they invented a new kind of treat –- they fried donuts in soldiers’ helmets, according to the organization’s blog.
These innovative do-gooders were dubbed the “Doughnut Girls” when they returned to the states, and in 1938, the Salvation Army honored their service and the memory of fallen soldiers with the first annual National Donut Day. It served to raise money for those suffering during the Great Depression.
Today, big-name donut companies are celebrating the holiday by giving out free baked goods, but some corporations, including Entenmann's –- are making sure to honor what this holiday is truly about.
After unveiling its largest box of donuts ever at an event in New York Friday, Entenmann’s will also donate $25,000 to the Salvation Army, NBC New York reports.
But the famed donut-makers aren't closing up their wallets just yet.
The company is also donating $1 to the Salvation Army (and up to $25,000) for every person who likes the Entenmann's Facebook page.
Click through the slideshow below to see how Twitter users are honoring the charitable origins of National Donut Day.
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