National Doughnut Day, which this year is Friday, was started in 1938 in Chicago to honor The Salvation Army “Doughnut Girls.” During World War I, the “Doughnut Girls,” also known as “Donut Lassies,” served along the front lines giving soldiers free coffee and doughnuts to boost morale.
 
These days, this unofficial holiday is celebrated the first Friday in June, and several local doughnut shops will mark the day with giveaways and prizes.
 
Duck Donuts is currently celebrating 12 Days of Donuts via social media with contests and giveaways on its Facebook page. Duck Donuts will also be offering a free doughnut with every purchase Friday at both Wilmington locations, 6801 Parker Farm Drive at Mayfaire Community Center and at The Pointe at Barclay, South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard.
 
Donut Inn, 1427 Military Cutoff Road, will be offering one free doughnut to all servicemen, servicewomen and first responders. The shop will also be offering a free doughnut with every breakfast and lunch sandwich order (limit one per person), as well as giveaways via social media. 
 
Rise Biscuits Donuts, 1319 Military Cutoff Road, will donate 10 percent of all sales for the day to the Salvation Army, and Wake n Bake Donuts, which has locations at 1401 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach and 114 Princess St. in downtown Wilmington, will be giving out free cake doughnuts while supplies last.
 
National chains Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme will also be in on the fun with a free classic doughnut with any beverage purchase at Dunkin’ Donuts and one free doughnut of your choice at Krispy Kreme, no purchase necessary.
 
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