What’s that? You didn’t know today was National Donut Day? You monster! Well, lucky for you there’s still hope to appreciate donuts of all prices and colors. You have plenty of time to honor the holiday/smart marketing excuse to eat fried dough glazed with sugar without guilt.
Because clearly the history is important here, National Doughnut Day started in 1938 as a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army. Their goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression, and to honor The Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers. Basically, we’re saying that if you don’t eat one today, you’re not a patriot.
Love ’em or hate ’em, these sugary confections have been bringing joy in times of need for a long time. To celebrate, many donut shops nationwide are offering free donuts, and we wanted to point you in the right direction. You’re welcome!
Dunkin’ Donuts — Customers who purchase any drink get to walk away with a free doughnut. It’s that easy. If you live in the Northeast, you probably have six “Dunks” within a block of your house, so this is an easy option. The real question is: Will they deliver free donuts?
Krispy Kreme — No bells or whistles here. Krispy Kreme has set out donation boxes for the Salvation Army and are giving away one free donut to anyone who walks in the door. No word yet on whether you can get it from the donut ATM.
Sidenote: Remember how we all lost our minds about these things? They were forebears of viral food culture.
Entenmann’s — Along with free donut and coffee giveaways in New York, Entenmann’s is also running contests to give a few lucky prize winners a donut a day for a year.
Cumberland Farms — This is the standard, customers who buy a coffee or a Chill Zone beverage walk out with a free donut. Doesn’t seem too exciting unless they’re filling the things with cinnamon buns.
Lamar’s Donuts — Walking into a Lamar’s today means you’ll be handed a free donut and, with a coupon off their Facebook page, a free cup of coffee, it’s as easy as that. No purchases at all.
Stan’s Donuts — Get a coffee or a gelato and get a free donut of your choice. Because every gelato eater ever has thought, “this is okay, but I could still really use a donut.”
California Donuts — They’re offering a limited release Strawberry Cream Cheese donut in honor of the day, along with discount tote bags. To tote a few dozen free donuts, we assume? Otherwise, this one is a ripoff.
