As a child growing up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, all week I looked forward to Saturday mornings when my mother would load us into the car and drive to Hough’s Bakery. A warm blast of air, smelling of yeast and sugar, would hit you in the face as you walked in. And behind the counter were the best tasting glazed doughnuts a child of five had ever tasted.

It’s with this memory in mind that I am delighted to share with you where you can get free doughnuts on National Doughnut Day, which takes place on June 5.

Why do we get free doughnuts on Friday? Because in 1938, the Chicago Salvation Army decided to honor women who had served doughnuts, as well as writing supplies, stamps, and home-cooked meals, to soldiers during World War I. The holiday has also served as a way to raise funds and awareness for the Salvation Army’s social services program.

Without further ado, here’s how to get your free doughnut:

Dunkin Donuts: On the heels of announcing its newest Oreo and Chips Ahoy donuts, you can stop by the pink-and-orange joint to grab a free treat all day when you buy a beverage. The offer lasts all day long, as long as supplies last, and is available at locations around the country.

A sugared doughnut at Dunkin’ Donuts. The chain is giving free doughnuts away as part of National Doughnut Day. (Photo: AP)

Entenmann’s: Entenmann's, everyone’s favorite grocery store doughnut is offering one lucky person a year’s worth of free doughnuts, via a Facebook contest. To sweeten the pot, Entenmann's will donate $1 to the Salvation Army for every entry into the contest. Get more details here.



Krispy Kreme: There are few things greater than a still-warm Krispy Kreme doughnuts, with the glaze still wet and gooey. You can grab one, or any of their other flavors, for free at all U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada locations. If you’re overseas, stores in Australia, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Turkey are also offering free treats.

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Cumberland Farms: The gas station and convenience store chain is giving free donuts to customers who buy a coffee or “Chill Zone” beverage between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Regular glazed and chocolate glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Stop by Friday to get a free doughnut. (Photo: AP)

Fractured Prune Doughnuts: The chain is giving away a free signature OC Sand doughnuts (which is honey-glazed and dusted with cinnamon sugar) at participating locations.

LaMar’s Donuts: The Midwestern chain, which has stores in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, is giving away “any donut with a whole,” and encouraging patrons to donate to the Salvation Army.

New York City bakeries: If you are in NYC, a few beloved local shops are participating. Stop into one of Dough’s three locations for a chance to win a year’s worth of free doughnuts (buy a box of six or more to enter). Over at Doughnut Plant, customers will get a free Carnival Sprinkles mini-cake doughnut with their regular purchase.

Los Angeles bakeries: Spudnuts Donuts, whose baked goods are made with potato flour, is offering a free treat with any purchase. A The Donut Man, customers will get 10 percent off everything (except strawberry.) Donut Snob is offering mini donuts for just $1.75 plus 50 percent off delivery costs.

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