DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Whether they are glazed, powdered, or jelly-filled, donuts are serving up a history lesson across the country.

Here in Decatur, they’re also honoring a legacy of service and generosity.

On National Donut Day , and The Salvation Army of Decatur is celebrating with Giggles on Merchant Street and Big Hungry's in Mt. Zion.

Bringing out bell ringers and the iconic red kettle, the organization shares a reminder of the deep history behind this sweet tradition.

“We think back to 1938,” said Kyle Karsten, Development Director with The Salvation Army of Decatur . “The Salvation Army named the first National Donut Day. They wanted to raise money to help people during the Depression, and they wanted to celebrate the Donut Lassies.”

Those Donut Lassies were volunteers s

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