If you needed a reason to participate in National Doughnut Day on Friday, here are two words to encourage you to partake: Free doughnuts.
Many local and national bakeries are offering free doughnuts as part of the annual day, which started in 1938. The day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of June.
According to the Salvation Army, the organization used the first National Doughnut Day to raise money for soldiers who were in need after the Great Depression.
The roots of the holiday go even further back. During World War I, volunteers from the Salvation Army used soldiers’ helmets to fry the tasty confection for American troops in France.
Among the national bakers participating in National Doughnut Day:
Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut of the customer’s choice on Friday. In addition to allowing customers to pick out a free doughnut, Krispy Kreme is partnering with the Salvation Army to raise funds for the organization’s mission.
Dunkin’ Donuts is also offering free doughnuts to customers, but the catch at Dunkin’ Donuts is you have to purchase a beverage in order to receive the free doughnut.
If you want a doughnut from Tim Hortons on Friday, you’re going to have to pay for it. If you are in a hurry and want to avoid the lines at Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts, perhaps a six doughnuts for $2.99 coupon from Tim Hortons might suffice.
Mid-Atlantic grocer Giant Eagle is offering half a dozen free doughnuts with the purchase of a half dozen doughnuts at regular price.
LaMar’s Donuts in the central United States is using a Willy Wonka type of Golden Ticket for its free doughnut promotion. Just show up with a copy of this golden ticket, and you will receive a free doughnut.
Justin Boggs is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk.Follow him on Twitter @jjboggs or on Facebook.
