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.
"Armed with their faith and little more than a helmet, rolling pins and donut supplies, the Donut Lassies provided the soldiers a piece of home in the trenches of eastern France," said Lt. Col. Ward Matthews, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. "The donut was and continues to be a symbol of the comfort and support that The Salvation Army provides to more than 23 million people in need each year."
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 (note, all deals are on Friday, June 1, unless otherwise noted, and participation may vary):
Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut of the customer’s choice on Friday. Click here to find participating locations.
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. Dunkin' Donuts has three new doughnuts you could try out on National Doughnut Day: Chocolate Cake Batter Donut, Vanilla Cake Batter Donut and Sweet Summertime Donut.
Duck Donuts is giving away free classic donuts, which include its bare, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar donut varieties. Duck Donuts will also have its regular menu available for National Doughnut Day.
Edible Arrangements will offer its Edible donut for free on Friday at all of its locations nationwide. To find the nearest location, click here.
