The year was 1917. Two hundred and fifty volunteers had been sent by the Salvation Army to the front lines of WW1 with the job of providing aid and comfort to servicemen embroiled in battle. Among them were Margaret Sheldon and Helen Purviance. In a stroke of genius, these two women figured how to fry up hundreds of doughnuts a day in the helmets of the active duty servicemen who lined up for one of the only hot foods available at the front. In honor of the ingenuity of these two women, National Doughnut Day was created in 1938 and installed on the first Friday in June.

Today, Americans eat over 10 BILLION doughnuts a year. Originally called olykoeks (oily cakes) by the Dutch settlers in the northeast, America’s first doughnuts did not have holes—imagine an unfilled jelly doughnut. Holes began appearing in the middle of the 1800s and by the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, they had been declared the “Hit Food Of The Century of Progress.” Though doughnuts often get a bad rap for being a caloric indulgence, this reputation is somewhat undeserved. At Dunkin’ Donuts, for example, a plain old glazed donut has 260 calories while a plain bagel has 310 and a reduced fat blueberry muffin has 410! So go ahead, treat yourself to a doughnut, this Friday, June 6, in honor of the Doughnut Dollies and Doughboys of WWI.

FREE Doughnut Day Deals in Westchester County

Dunkin’ Donuts - At all participating Dunkin’ Donut stores (and it does appear that all Westchester stores are participating), customers will receive one FREE doughnut with each beverage purchased.

Stew Leonard's - In honor of National Doughnut Day, Stew Leonard's will be offering FREE samples of the its Apple Cider Doughnut Holes until 6 PM. The store will also be offering a $1 discount on 6 packs of doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme - While there are no Krispy Kreme locations in Westchester, we are aware that many of our readers commute into and out of the city. Therefore, it is our duty to inform you that Krispy Kreme will be giving away FREE doughnuts to everyone who enters one of its stores--no purchase necessary. Just show up and get a donut.

Entenmann’s - In partnership with The Salvation Army, Entenmann’s is celebrating National Doughnut Day with a Doughnut sweepstakes and a donation drive. For every “Like” Entenmann’s gets on Facebook for the duration of the sweepstakes, they will donate $1 to the Salvation Army. Adults can also enter a sweepstakes on the Entemann’s website for a chance to win FREE donuts for a year. 50 grand prize winners will be selected.

Tim Hortons is reportedly handing out free doughnuts to anyone who walks in and says, "Happy National Doughnut Day!"

Want to pay for your doughnuts? Check out these local shops. Who knows…maybe you’ll stumble upon an unadvertised deal!

The Gypsy Donut and Espresso Bar - Nyack

La Tulipe - Mount Kisco

Sunshine Doughnut Yogurt Shop - Ardsley

Kneaded Bread - Port Chester

Chantilly Patisserie - Bronxville

Martine’s Fine Bake Shop - Tuckahoe

Enrico’s - Hartsdale