What are the best deals, discounts and freebies for National Donut Day 2022?

Celebrated on the first Friday of June every year, National Donut Day is a tribute to The Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies”. The event was started in 1938 in Chicago to help raise funds for the organization’s continuing support programs.

Eighty-plus years later the annual celebration can be enjoyed at numerous locations around the US and Canada just about anywhere doughnuts can be found. Big and small retailers are offering discounts and freebies here’s a look at what’s on offer at some of the national chains.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’, formerly called Dunkin’ Donuts, “is celebrating ambitious accomplishments big and small,” on Friday 3 June. For National Donut Day 2022 customers can get a free frosted, glazed, filled, or sprinkled doughnut with the purchase of a beverage. The deal is available at participating locations and while supplies last.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is celebrating National Donut Day 2022 with multiple offers on Friday 3 June. Customers in the US and Canada can enjoy their favorite doughnut on the house. Additionally, if one isn’t enough, as a special bonus offer this year, the doughnut company will let you purchase an Original Glazed dozen for just $1 with any dozen or 16 count minis purchase in store and online for pickup or delivery.

On Friday 3 June customers can also purchase a Krispy Kreme Eat Doughnuts hat for 50 percent off to celebrate National Donut Day year-round.

At select locations on 3 June, Krispy Kreme will be giving customers a coupon to return to the store the following Friday 10 June to try a new “berry sweet” mystery glaze donut.

Tim Hortons

Tim’s or Timmies, Canada’s largest quick-serve food chain, is offering a free donut to customers who register for Tim’s Rewards online or through the company’s app and purchase a doughnut. Customers can claim their free doughnut on their next visit and the deal is good through Sunday.

7-Eleven

The go-to convenience store is offering a buy one, get one free deal on donuts to customers who sign up or already have 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards. The deal will be available from Friday through Sunday at 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores.

Who were The Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies”?

In 1917, around 250 volunteers went overseas to France to as part of The Salvation Army’s mission to provide spiritual and emotional support to US Soldiers fighting in the trenches. They set up huts near to the front lines where the troops could stock up on essential goods and supplies, as well as a sweet treat to brighten their day.

Since the conditions weren’t ideal for baking, Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance came up with the idea of frying doughnuts using soldiers’ helmets. And thus was born the “Doughnut Lassies” whose actions are also credited with the increased popularity of the pastry in the United States after the war.