(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Today is National Donut Day. While most of us don’t need a reason to celebrate the donut, National Donut Day serves a higher purpose and has a surprising history that many people don’t know about.

The first National Donut Day happened in Chicago, in 1938. The donut had its beginnings as a treat served by the Salvation Army to United States soldiers on the front lines during WWI. The donuts were distributed by “Donut Lassies“—the girls who served donuts to the soldiers, commonly known as “doughboys”. The donuts (and Donut Lassies) evoked such positive feelings that the donut became a national treasure and National Donut Day was established to honor the Lassies’ contribution to morale during the war.

“The donut was a simple way to remind soldiers on the front lines of World War I that they had support and encouragement from their country, and these small deeds made a big impact,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “In every service The Salvation Army provides, we embrace this same principle and make sure people know that we are a resource for those in need, who will give them a hand up and be a beacon of hope.”

In honor of the donut’s proud legacy, The Salvation Army in Colorado Springs is celebrating National Donut Day by promoting their Veteran Transitional Housing Programs and Veteran Supportive Services Programs in Colorado. Visit HelpColoradoSprings.com to help a local veteran in need. $15 (the cost of a dozen donuts) will supply a Veteran with meals for a week.

Happy National Donut Day, and many thanks, to the Salvation Army for its work in the community and for popularizing one of America’s favorite treats—the delectable donut.