National Doughnut Day freebies and deals

TAMPA (FOX 13) - National Doughnut Day returns Friday, June 1 and there are plenty of sweet deals for doughnut (or donut) lovers. But if you’re feeling a little guilty about indulging, consider the history of this “holiday.”

Beginning in World War I, the Salvation Army’s "Doughnut Girls" gave soldiers free coffee and doughnuts along the front lines. When the volunteers realized it would be hard to serve fresh baked goods, and because they had limited resources, they decided to fry the treats in soldiers' helmets, which boosted the soldiers' morale, according to the Salvation Army.

Doughnut Day became an unofficial holiday celebrated the first Friday in June. 

Here’s how and where you can celebrate around the Tampa Bay area this year:

DUNKIN’ DONUTS: Free classic doughnut of your choice with the purchase of any beverage. Also, the chain is featuring chocolate and vanilla cake-batter doughnuts on this year’s limited-time menu.

KRISPY KREME: One free doughnut. The chain is also featuring a cake batter doughnut along with a blueberry glaze doughnut on their limited-time-only menu.

DATZ / DOUGH: The South Tampa restaurant is offering one free classic doughnut per person.

LITTLE DONUT HOUSE: Two free mini doughnuts with any purchase.

5-0 DONUTS: The Sarasota shop is offering a free glazed doughnut with any purchase, but they usually go quickly. Fortunately, they have a live webcam so you can keep an eye on their doughnut stock.

MINI DOUGHNUT FACTORY: Now in South Tampa and St. Pete, this shop will “doughnate” a percentage of the day’s proceeds to the Salvation Army’s Children’s Services programs.