Ending a long, challenging week on a sweet note is in order, so National Doughnut Day has arrived right on time.
While the modern-day celebration of doughnuts offers a variety, including a meat-filled option from Smokey Bones, and a number of doughnut deals, the launch of the national day was all about honoring the troops.
The holiday of sorts has been celebrated each first Friday in June since 1938 thanks to The Salvation Army. A group of women, the Salvation Army Lassies, first introduced the idea of serving doughnuts to World War I troops in 1917, according to The Eagle. At that time, more than 250 volunteer Salvation Army officers traveled to France to serve the American soldiers fighting that war. The women, nicknamed the doughnut lassies, boosted morale for the servicemen with home-cooked meals and doughnuts, often cooked in oil inside the metal helmets of U.S. soldiers.
Fast forward to today, and the Salvation Army is still using the day for more than just dessert. At one Texas-area Shipley’s location, volunteers are raising funds for the nonprofit’s programs and COVID-19 relief.
“It is an honor for us to serve in a capacity where there are those in great need and those who want to give and help, and we can bridge the two together,” said Capt. Paul Ryerson, commanding officer for The Salvation Army of Bryan-College Station. “COVID-19 is just another example of how this community really steps up to the plate when a challenge arises and to meet the greatest need probably our country has ever seen.”
For the rest of us, it will mean finding a free or very affordable way to take a bite into the doughy goodness of the day. Here are just a few of the National Doughnut Day deals to catch today:
Duck’s Donuts
With more than 200 locations across the country, including a few in Georgia, Duck’s Donuts will celebrate by offering a free “warm, delicious and made-to-order” doughnut to its customers today.
Shipley’s Do-Nuts
Texas-based Shipley’s has 300 franchises in Georgia, Mississippi, Colorado and more. Locations of the shop will offer one free doughnut to customers up until lunchtime.
Dunkin’
The familiar doughnut shop will give away a free doughnut with any beverage purchase at its hundreds of locations today.
Krispy Kreme
The beloved doughnut franchise decided to mix up the typical one-day holiday this year in light of all the crises that have hit Americans this year. Krispy Kreme has offered free doughnuts since June 1, marking its weeklong doughnut celebration. Today is the last day to enjoy.
Coupons.com
Coupons.com is offering a doughnut deal for grocery shoppers and other doughnut shops across the country, according to Parade. Customers can get cash back on the purchase of any brand of doughnuts, up to $2, from Coupons.com for National Donut Day. You can use the rebate at Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', Tim Hortons, Walmart, Target, Costco, Safeway, QFC, Kroger, Ralphs, Smith's Food and Drug Stores, Pay Less Super Markets, Albertsons, Publix, Lucky, Acme, Bi-Lo, BJs, Baker's, Carrs, City Market, Dillons Food Stores, Dollar General, Trader Joe's and more. Items must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. PDT June 5. Find the coupon here.
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