Get a Free Treat for National Doughnut Day

How many days do you get a free doughnut and history lesson in one? Only on the most magical of days, National Doughnut Day.

Friday is the 76th National Doughnut Day, marked by Americans getting a free tasty treat all day long. But it turns out there's more to this day than saving a buck.

Though it may seem an an unlikely pairing, the Salvation Army is credited with introducing the sweet treat to Americans.

During World War I, Salvation Army “lassies,” who worked on the front lines getting essential personal items to soldiers, distributed doughnuts to troops in Europe. Concerned with getting front-line soldiers food quickly, two lassies even devised a way to fry the doughnuts in helmets. (Click here for the doughnut lassies' original recipe.)

Previously a European delicacy, the doughnut’s popularity grew stateside when soldiers—known as “doughboys,” although not because of the doughnut phenomenon—returned home.

The first National Doughnut Day, celebrated in Chicago in 1938, had a threefold purpose: It celebrated the doughnut lassies’ work, it raised funds for the Salvation Army’s work as the Great Depression raged and it also helped distribute food to needy people during the Great Depression. 

Doughnuts soon became synonymous with the Salvation Army’s work to help Americans in need, according to the organization.

Today, the Salvation Army uses National Doughnut Day to highlight hunger issues and Americans who need a helping hand, especially communities such as Moore, OK, that are recovering from disasters.

The Salvation Army paired with Entenmann's to make National Doughnut Day all the sweeter, and raise money for disaster relief. Those who want to help can “like” Entenmann’s on Facebook—the company will donate $1 to the Salvation Army for every new “like” through the end of day. 

And, of course, don’t forget to pick up a free doughnut.

• Krispy Kreme will give out one free doughnut of any variety on Friday, no purchase necessary.
• Dunkin' Donuts is offering a free doughnut all day Friday with any beverage purchase. Find the nearest location with the company’s store locator.

Did you find a free donoughnut giveaway somewhere else? Share it in the comments.