A Sweet Thank You: Celebrating National Donut Day in Winnebago County

National Donut Day always brings a smile, but the story behind it runs much deeper than the treat itself.

The Salvation Army created National Donut Day in 1938 in Chicago to honor the "Donut Lassies," the volunteers who served fresh donuts and coffee to American soldiers on the front lines during World War I. In 1917, roughly 250 Salvation Army volunteers traveled to France and set up small huts near the trenches.

There they handed out supplies, mended uniforms, helped soldiers write letters home, and fried donuts, often in soldiers' helmets when rations and equipment ran short. For young men far from home, that simple donut became a taste of comfort and a reminder that someone cared. It was a small act of kindness for people who were giving so much of themselves for others.

That same spirit is exactly why we spent this year's National Donut Day honoring the people who give so much for our community.

We stopped by our local hospitals to deliver donuts to the hardworking ER teams at UW Health, OSF, and Javon Bea. These teams show up for us around the clock, and we were grateful for the chance to show up for them with a sweet thank you.

Our retired officers, Lt. Colonel Dan and Becky Sjogren, also delivered donuts to local police and fire departments, carrying that same message of gratitude to the first responders who keep our community safe.

To every nurse, doctor, emergency team member, and first responder in Winnebago County, thank you for all that you do. The donut may be the reason for the day, but the people behind it are the reason it matters. We are proud to support our first responders today and every day.