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.
I did my part to celebrate Nathan Doughnut Day. Today is my son, Jordan’s last day of school so I got 3 dozen doughnuts at Earl’s Donuts in Northridge, CA. If you are in the area they are on Devonshire Blvd, near Mason Ave. Support your local donut shop.
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.
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!)
Tim Hortons
The chain is offering a free doughnut with any purchase on Friday.
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. 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. And don’t forget to be social. Pick up a box of doughnuts for co-workers and friends and post about it
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.
Darrell Griffin 