National Donut Day — Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ extend holiday with freebies

In some circles, one of the year’s most popular days for doughnut lovers and freebie fans has been extended.

While Friday, June 5 is National Doughnut Day — also known as National Donut Day — Krispy Kreme is celebrating its first “National Doughnut Week” with five days of free treats starting Monday, no purchase necessary. Dunkin’ has three days of deals this year and a contest.

“National Doughnut Day is one of our favorite holidays to celebrate, but with days starting to blur together, we want to make sure it’s easier than ever for fans to participate,” said Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer, in a news release.

Beginning Wednesday and continuing through National Donut Day Friday, Dunkin’ is holding a contest where free donuts for a year are up for grabs for creating the perfect Donut Party slogan, the company announced. Everyone who shares an original Donut Party slogan on Instagram with #DunkinDonutPartySweepstakes will be entered.

The day of the pastry was established in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army Donut Lassies, women who served the treats to soldiers during World War I. It’s traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of June.

This Donut Day, the Salvation Army says it will thank essential workers “on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic by delivering donuts” to healthcare workers and first responders across the country.

Entenmann’s Donuts also is honoring healthcare heroes this year with its “Standing Doughnation Sweepstakes.” According to a news release, through June 18, the company is taking nominations of healthcare workers and awarding $500 cash prizes to workers, $500 donations to their hospital or care facility and free donuts. A winner is chosen each night through June 18.

To nominate a healthcare worker, make a public post on Instagram or Twitter, using hashtags #StandingDoughnation and #Promotion and by following and tagging @Entenmanns.

National Donut Day 2020 freebies

Participation and offers can vary by location and are only available while supplies last. To be on the safe side, check with your closest location.

Dunkin’: With purchase of a beverage Friday, get a free classic donut of your choice at participating locations. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, Grubhub is offering a free half-dozen of donuts on Dunkin’ orders of $10 or more.

Krispy Kreme: From Monday through Friday, get a free doughnut of your choice while supplies last at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shops and drive-thrus. No purchase is necessary.

More deals: Locally-owned businesses and smaller chains also may have deals Friday. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check social media channels.

Read more at usatoday.com