6 Freebies for National Donut Day 2015

Many sugary sweets have their own national holiday several times a year, encouraging you to indulge in as much ice cream, pancakes, waffles, pie and other assorted desserts to your heart’s — and stomach’s — collective delight. With so many treats spread across the calendar, it wouldn’t be complete without a day celebrating that favorite, all-American holey pastry: the donut.

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Glazed, sprinkled, powdered or filled, eating a doughnut on National Donut Day is actually a chance to support groups like The Salvation Army while saving money. A number of coffee shop and donut chains across the country are celebrating the holiday on Friday, June 5 by offering deals and promos that can’t be missed.

Where to Get Free Donuts on National Donut Day 2015

• Dunkin’ Donuts: With the purchase of a beverage, visitors to participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide will receive a free doughnut of their choice all day on June 5.
• Entenmann’s: In celebration of National Donut Day, the franchise will be holding a contest where 100 grand prize winners will receive a one-year supply of free donuts. Weekly winners will also receive coupons and plush toy prizes. And with each entry, Bimbo Bakeries will donate $1 to The Salvation Army for a $30,000 goal.
• Fractured Prune Doughnuts: According to Thrillist, you won’t be getting just an ordinary glazed doughnut on National Donut Day this year. The specialty baker will give customers at participating locations its signature honey-glazed, cinnamon sugar donut called the O.C. Sand.
• Krispy Kreme: Guests at participating U.S. or Canada Krispy Kreme shops can sink their teeth into one free donut of any variety. There is no purchase necessary for this offer.
• LaMar’s Donuts: Visit LaMar’s Donuts for a free donut. There’s also no purchase needed to receive the free treat.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Get a free glazed “do-nut” at one of Shipley Do-Nuts many locations throughout southern U.S. The chain’s offer on June 5 runs from 5 a.m. until noon.

The History of National Donut Day

National Donut Day dates back to World War I. In 1917, 250 Salvation Army volunteers were dispatched to the battlefields of France and gave soldiers writing supplies, stamps and more — even donuts. “Rations were poor, so the donut idea was conceived as a means of bringing the soldiers cheer,” according to The Salvation Army.

In 1938, the first National Donut Day was celebrated in Chicago as The Salvation Army worked to raise money and awareness during the Great Depression. As The Salvation Army explains, donuts became synonymous with the organization, “as well as the American soldiers who were returning home with the nickname, ‘doughboys.’”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Freebies for National Donut Day 2015

This article by Paul Sisolak first appeared on GoBankingRates.com and was distributed by the Personal Finance Syndication Network.