Today Is National Donut Day

What's today? National Donut Day. It has its roots in the trenches of World War I, when war-weary soldiers would take a break by stopping by a "hut" a makeshift coffee shop, where "lassies" doled out coffee and donuts. In 1938, the Salvation Army in Chicago wanted to recognize those women's efforts and started National Donut Day, which falls on the first Friday in June each year.

Nowadays, National Donut Day efforts in some cities include fundraisers associated with the Salvation Army. Others simply recognize the doughy confection by handing out free donuts.

In any case the tradition continues Friday with area donut shops handing out free (or almost-free) donuts. At Krispy Kreme in Alexandria, you'll get a free donut, no questions asked; at Dunkin' Donuts, you must purchase a beverage (and at some Dunkin' Donuts, only specific beverages).

Although getting to Krispy Kreme is kind of a hike, (6332 Richmond Highway,) they are open 24 hours a day, began serving one free donut per person at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. Customers can choose any donut, the manager said.

The first-ever Krispy Kreme was started by Vernon Rudolph on July 13, 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C. He got a recipe for his donuts from a French chef in New Orleans and began selling them with coffee. Today the varieties are endless: Chocolate? Chocolate icing? Sprinkles? If you're a really big fan and want to get the latest news from the company, you can "friend" on Krispy Kreme on its Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

Not sure if there's a store near you? You can find the nearest Krispy Kreme at their locator: http://www.krispykreme.com/Stores/Locator

Krispy Kreme isn't the only donut in town.

Dunkin' Donuts will also be handing out free donuts, but only if you purchase a beverage, according to its website. You can find a Dunkin' Donuts near you here.

The closest Dunkin' Donuts to us is 3520 Lee Highway, but there is also one at 3100 Columbia Pike and 1413 S Fern St # 6. 

Another way to celebrate Donut Day: Text the word “DONUT” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to The Salvation Army.