National Donut Day

June 7 is National Doughnut Day. Whether you’re partial to the cream-filled, glazed, jelly or chocolate varieties, the doughnut is something near and dear to so many of us.

The Salvation Army established this sweet holiday in 1938 to raise funds during the Great Depression and honor the “lassies,” as they called the female volunteers, who supported the soldiers on the front lines during World War I, serving them delicious meals, and of course, doughnuts. Approximately 250 “lassies” provided assistance to American soldiers in France in 1917.

Fast forward to 2013 and many national chains and smaller shops are offering free doughnuts to celebrate.

Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme will be giving away a free doughnut of any variety to every customer at participating locations, while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Click here to find a store near you.

Dunkin’ Donuts
At Dunkin’ Donuts, customers will receive a free doughnut with any beverage purchase. The chain’s much-buzzed about Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich also makes it debut on the permanent menu at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants today. The 360-calorie sandwich features bacon and a pepper fried egg on a glazed yeast ring donut. (If you try one, let us know what you think in the comments!)
Calling all donut lovers! Go inside New York City’s Doughnut Plant for a behind-the-scenes look at how their gourmet donuts are made.

Tim Hortons
The chain is offering a free doughnut with any purchase on Friday, but be sure to print this Facebook coupon and bring it with you to redeem the deal.

LaMar’s Donuts

LaMar’s is giving away one free doughnut per person with no purchase necessary. Plus, a portion of this week’s sales are being donated to The Salvation Army to the Oklahoma tornado relief effort. (Eat well and do good!)

Entenmann’s
For the third year in a row, Entenmann’s will donate $1 to the Salvation Army for every new “Like” on the company’s Facebook page through June 15, up to $30,000. Click here to check it out. You can also enter for a chance to win free Entenmann’s doughnuts for a year.

Be sure to check your local and regional doughnut shops for more special promotions and fried freebies. Click here for more information. And don’t forget to be social. Pick up a box of doughnuts for co-workers and friends and post about it with the hashtag, #ndd13 and #donut.

Can’t get enough doughnuts? Check out the cronut, the half-croissant and half-doughnut hybrid, which is taking New York and the pastry world by storm.