National Doughnut Day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army’s “Doughnut Lassies” who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War 1. Doughnuts became synonymous with The Salvation Army, as well as American soldiers who returned home with the nickname “doughboys.”
There are probably several places to get free doughnuts but since I live in North Carolina I’m just going to mention Krispy Kreme. Krispy Kreme will be giving a free doughnut to anybody who requests it. Not just your regular glazed but any doughnut they make. And what’s even better there is no other purchase required.