National Donut Day falls on June 5 this year, and the tradition behind it is more interesting than most people realize. The Salvation Army established it in Chicago in 1938 to honor the "Donut Lassies," the volunteers who traveled to France during World War I and served freshly fried donuts to American soldiers on the front lines, often cooking them in soldiers' helmets. It later became a day of fundraising during the Great Depression. Nearly 90 years later, it has evolved into one of the food industry's most enthusiastically celebrated unofficial holidays.
A few things worth knowing before you go: download any relevant apps now, not in the drive-thru on Friday morning. Several deals are app-exclusive or require an active rewards account, and some chains specify that membership must be established before the day of.
Where an offer requires a purchase, a coffee or a drink usually qualifies. And a few of these run well beyond June 5, which means even if Friday is a busy day, you haven't missed your window.
The completely free ones, no purchase needed
Krispy Kreme is giving away one free donut of any variety on June 5, with no purchase necessary. That means you can walk in, pick any donut from the classic menu, including Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles or Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled, and walk out without spending a dime. The offer excludes limited-time and seasonal varieties and is valid only at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shop locations, not at grocery or convenience store counters.
Krispy Kreme is also running a separate deal worth knowing about: buy any dozen at regular price and get an Original Glazed Dozen for $2, valid in-shop and drive-thru on June 5 only.
Duck Donuts is offering a free classic donut with no purchase necessary on June 5, valid in-shop only from 7 am to 7 pm.
Randy's Donuts is giving away one free classic donut to all guests from 6 am to 12 pm on June 5, no purchase necessary.
The ones that need a drink or a purchase
Dunkin' is offering a free donut of your choice with any beverage purchase at participating locations nationwide on June 5, redeemable in-store or through the app. No coupon needed.
Paris Baguette is giving PB Rewards members a free sugar mochi or small twist donut with any purchase on June 5.
The ones that run beyond Friday
These are the deals worth knowing about if June 5 slips by you or if you simply want to keep the momentum going.
Tim Hortons is running its promotion from June 1 through June 7, giving Tims Rewards members a free classic or specialty donut with any beverage purchase, once per day per account. That means you still have until Sunday.
DoorDash is offering $7 off a Krispy Kreme order of $25 or more, valid from June 4 through June 18, with a limit of two redemptions per person.
The app and rewards-only deals
7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations are offering classic glazed donuts for 50 cents each to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members on June 5, with no limit on how many you can buy. The 7-Select Mini Donut packs are also available for $1 through June 23.
Voodoo Doughnut Fan Club members can redeem a free donut of their choice on June 5, with specialty doughnuts excluded.
The one thing worth doing right now, before Friday arrives, is downloading whichever apps apply to chains near you. Most of these offers take thirty seconds to set up and the payoff is a free donut with your Friday morning coffee. That is a fairly straightforward trade.
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