GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — National Donut Day may be national, and its roots may be in real history, but observance of the day is all about location, location, location. Which donut shop with free treats is closest to you?
National Donut Day, June 5, traces its beginnings to the Salvation Army, which gave free donuts to soldiers during World War I and World War II. In fact, one source claims the Salvation Army can be credited — or blamed — with introducing donuts to Americans.
Back then, donuts were a simple circle of dough fried in oil. Today, donut shops have become involved in a competition to see how creative they can get with the sugar, dough, and fillings.
Most donut shops are handing out free donuts on National Donut Day. Here’s a sample:
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Free donut with purchase of a drink
- Krispy Kreme: One free donut in U.S. and Canada
- Tim Hortons: Free donut with purchase in U.S.
- Marge’s Donut Den: Free cake donut
