Free donuts available for National Donut Day
Did you know that The Salvation Army is often credited with popularizing the donut in America?
It all started during World War I when female Salvation Army soldiers–affectionately referred to as Donut Girls–brought donuts to American GI’s on the front lines in France (pictured).
“These simple treats gave them comfort and were so popular, that the demand for them boomed when the soldiers returned home to America,” explained Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division Commander.
Bakers in the United States quickly jumped in to meet the demand and the donut became a staple here.
National Donut Day was started by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the legacy of the Donut Girls, and to raise money for people in need during the Great Depression.
This year, Donut Day is on Friday, June 3. Celebrate the day with free treats at various locations in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Free donuts in the Twin Cities
- All Twin Cities Salvation Army Family Stores will be handing out free donuts on June 3, while supplies last, courtesy of Entenmann’s Bakery.
- YoYo Donuts at 5757 Sanibel Drive in Hopkins is offering a free donut (any donut with a hole), while supplies last. Doors open at 6 a.m. Also, win a chance at a $50 gift card, plus one dozen free donuts from YoYo. On Friday, June 3 simply post a photo of your donut to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #whoknew. Be sure to tag @yoyodonuts and @salvationarmynorth for your chance to win.
- Mojo Monkey at 1169 7th St. W. in St. Paul will be giving away free donuts to the first 200 customers on Friday, June 3. Doors open at 6 a.m.
- Maplewood Bakery at 1351 Frost Ave. in St. Paul is offering a baker’s dozen. That means you get one free donut, with purchase of one dozen donuts. Doors open at 6 a.m.
Donut events in Greater Minnesota
- Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth is celebrating its 70th year in business. If you buy something at The Salvation Army store on June 3, you will receive a coupon for a free donut from Johnson’s Bakery.
- Hanisch Bakery in Red Wing was recently voted by WCCO-TV as the best bakery in Minnesota and is offering a special deal on Donut Day. Instead of paying $1.25 for a donut, they will only cost 50 cents on Friday, June 3. “Last year we sold about 10,000 donuts,” smiled Billy Hanisch, owner. “This year we’ll also have a red kettle out and any donations will be given to the local Salvation Army. Hopefully we can fill that too.”
- The Salvation Army, in partnership with the American Legion and the VFW in Brainerd will deliver free donuts to first responders in the lakes area on Friday. Anyone can pick up a free donut from 10 – 11 a.m. at The Salvation Army Family Store in Brainerd, 609 Norwood Street. At noon, the Brainerd VFW will commemorate the day with a plaque presented to The Salvation Army and Brainerd’s mayor will proclaim it Donut Day in the city.
Donut events in North Dakota
- Sandy’s Donuts in Fargo will be giving away 100 dozen free donuts on Friday. The event will be held at the US Bank Plaza at 2nd Ave. and Broadway between 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- GoGo Donuts in Williston will donate the cost of the 13th donut in every baker’s dozen sold to The Salvation Army, while supplies last.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering (view local opportunities by selecting “Volunteering” in the community menu), or by making a donation to support your local community.