This day was conceived by the Salvation Army in Chicago, back in 1938 by “Donut Lassies,” who served treats and provided help to soldiers on the front lines during World War I.
Jumping on the dough bandwagon, some shops and chains across the U.S. are offering free donuts or a free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage.
Dunkin’ Donuts — Get a free doughnut with the purchase of any drink.
Krispy Kreme — The sweet shop is handing out free doughnuts, whether you buy something or not.
Cumberland Farms — Snag a free doughnut when you buy any coffee or “Chill Zone” drink.
Entemann’s — Enter through Facebook for a chance to win free doughnuts for a year.
And in case you were wondering, doughnuts didn’t always have that hole in the middle.
In 1847 that the holed-out doughnut we know and love first appeared, when16-year-old Hanson Gregory grew tired of eating doughnuts with a raw center and used a pepper pot to punch out holes, so doughnuts would cook evenly.
Free donuts on National Donut Day http://usat.ly/1IkgOdh
8 things you didn't know about doughnuts http://to.pbs.org/1KK2YhY