National Doughnut Day 2018: Where To Find Deals In Washington

SEATTLE, WA - National Doughnut Day dates back to 1938, when The Salvation Army of Chicago created it to honor the “Doughnut Girls” who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. The unofficial holiday is celebrated every year on the first Friday in June.

Though the honorary salute to the “Doughnut Girls” wouldn’t begin until years later, two Salvation Army volunteers — Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance — came up with the idea of frying doughnuts in soldiers’ helmets after they and about 250 others were deployed to France to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. soldiers.

“These tasty treats boosted morale and won the hearts of many soldiers,” The Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Division in Chicago said on its website.

Also known as the “Doughnut Lassies,” these volunteers are credited with popularizing the doughnut in the United States when troops, who were known as “doughboys,” returned home from the war. The tradition, which provided a link to home and family, continued in World War II.

If you’re looking for some great deals on doughnuts, here are a few in Washington:

Entenmann’s, which sells its doughnuts in grocery stores nationwide, has a pretty fun contest going on. The classic pastry company is soliciting applications for the honorary position of Chief Donut Officer, which comes with a year's worth of doughnuts and a $5,000 cash award. Four runners up will receive $1,000 and a one-year supply of doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme, which has more than 300 stores nationwide, is offering a free doughnut of the customer’s choice on June 1. No purchase is necessary.

Walmart, with more than 6,300 stores across the country, is a huge purveyor of doughnuts. The nation’s biggest retail chain plans to give away 1.2 million full-sized glazed doughnuts from its bakeries, while supplies last. Every Walmart in the country will participate in the giveaway.

Photo by Liana Messina/Patch