However, what many people do not know about the holiday, which is always held on the first Friday of June, is that it dates back to 1938 when the Salvation Army established the first National Doughnut Day in Chicago.

The Salvation Army used the day to raise money for its social service programs during the Great Depression.

Also, the Salvation Army made and served doughnuts for the U.S. troops serving overseas during World War I and World War II. 

Since then, doughnuts shops across the country celebrate the holiday with sweet promotions. Here are six shops to check out:

Bakery Express: Celebrate the holiday by stopping at this delicious bakery for a free doughnut.

Donut Shack: This family-owned bakery is open 24/7 and includes a variety of about 20 doughnuts.

Dunkin Donuts: Participating stores are giving away one free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage.

Fractured Prune: Choose from at least a dozen glazes and toppings to create your perfect doughnut. Customers will receive a free doughnut with any purchase.

Herman’s Bakery: This family-owned bakery has been around since 1923 and their doughnuts are still made the old-fashioned way. 

Hoehn’s Bakery: Open since 1927, this bakery still uses its original brick hearth oven to bake delicious treats.  

Check out Baltimore’s feature, “Sugar Rush” from Feb. 2014 to find out about our favorite sweet treats. 

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