Take A Bite Of World War I History With These National Donut Day Freebies And Deals

National Donut Day is always observed on the first Friday in June, and there are plenty of places in offering deals on the sugary swirls The Salvation Army’s now legendary “Doughnut Lassies” fried in frontline soldiers’ helmets during World War I.

Before we dive into where to score free doughnuts and other deals on Friday, June 6, a bit of history: National Donut Day was created in Chicago in 1938 as a tribute to the volunteer corps of 250 women who traveled overseas during World War I to provide support to frontline troops. They distributed clothing and supplies and planned to hand out baked goods, a logistically difficult task.

Two of the women, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance, began frying doughnuts in helmets, and the “tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers,” according to an account by the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission
and Doughboy Foundation.

We have 19th-century Dutch immigrants to thank for bringing “olykoeks,” or oily cakes, to New Amsterdam, as Manhattan was known at the time. They were essentially fried dough balls, but over time evolved into the ring-shaped treat with a hole in the middle. Americans are said to consume about 10 billion doughnuts a year.

Freebies And Deals

Here are some places with National Donut Day deals in YOURSTATE:

7-Eleven: On June 6, rewards members can get a glazed doughnut for 50 cents at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations. After National Donut Day, the same doughnuts are available for $1 through June 24.

Dapper Doughnuts: The small chain is offering a free six-pack of Cinnamon Sugar or Powdered Sugar Doughnuts with any purchase Friday through Sunday.

Duck Donuts: The “made-to-order” doughnut chain is offering a free Cinnamon Sugar Donut for in-store guests only on Friday. Both in-store and online customers can get a half dozen Cinnamon Sugar Donuts on Friday.

Dunkin’: For the 15th year, Dunkin’ is offering a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage, but also is teaming with luxury lifestyle and accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane on a limited-edition branded merchandise on the morning breakfast combination.

Krispy Kreme: Guests can get any doughnut of their choice for free with no purchase necessary on Friday. Also, in celebration of the Original
Glazed doughnut’s 88th birthday, all guests can get a dozen of the signature treat for $2 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price in shop and via drive-thru at participating Krispy Kreme shops. On Saturday, Krispy Kreme launches its “14 Days of Original Glazed,” which offers special deals to rewards club members through June 20.

LaMar’s Donuts: The chain is handing out free Glazed Donuts at all locations Friday.

Maverick and Kum & Go: Both Maverick and the Kum & Go stores the chain acquired are offering 50 percent off doughnuts all day Friday, with no limits per transaction and no cap on redemptions, aside from standard item exclusions, according to a press release.

Paris Baguette: The bakery-cafe chain is offering a free sugar mochi or small twisted doughnut to rewards members with any purchase.

Shipley Do-Nuts: The chain is offering “freebie Fridays” throughout the month to celebrate National Donut Day. Beginning this Friday, get a free glazed doughnut with any purchase (while supplies last). Deals continue on Fridays through June 27. To score deals, visit any Shipley’s location, order online through the loyalty app with code DonutMonth25.

Stan’s Donuts: The Chicago-area doughnut-and-coffee chin is offering customers a free Chocolate Dipped Donut with any purchase of $2.30 or more, while supplies last. Customers whose doughnuts are dipped in pink win free doughnuts for a year.

Voodoo Doughnut: On Friday, in-store customers can get a free doughnut of their choice with the purchase of a $10 Pink Raised Glazed Dozen.

Sources for this report include news releases, The Food Network and The Krazy Coupon Lady,