The Caffeinated Kitchen’s strawberry vegan donut. Photo by Asia Morris.

In celebration of National Donut Day on Friday, June 5, several donut-friendly locals will be giving away free donuts, highlighting new flavors and donating proceeds to a good cause—all in the name of this circular, surprisingly storied confection, as well as its holiday.

Krispy Kreme will be giving away one free donut of any variety per customer. Stop by the Long Beach location at 4760 Los Coyotes Diagonal to pick up that melt-in-your-mouth Original Glazed, or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out any of the 43 available flavors here.

Dunkin’ Donuts will commemorate the holiday by offering a free donut with the purchase of any beverage. Stop by the staple donut brand at 5560 East 7th Street and revel in the lifted spirits and moment of delight fondly experienced from the temporary sugar rush.

While larger companies may have an easier time giving away the goods, we can’t forget about the locally-cultivated quality vegan treats freshly made by The Caffeinated Kitchen. Instead of taking a hand-out, support a small local business and stop by your nearest local coffee shop for their newest flavor, Pecan Praline.

Believe it not, National Donut Day was not created simply for foodies and their friends. The holiday was first established by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor the “donut lassies” who fed the frugal, fried confections to soldiers during World War I, according to the organization’s website.

Several locations in Long Beach will be dishing out donuts with a side of philanthropic goodness thanks to the organization. And while these delicious dunkers will not be free of charge, at least you know a percentage of your minor pence will be directed toward a good cause: namely, supporting the over 2,000 veterans served annually by The Salvation Army Haven program in West Los Angeles.

The following three donut shops in Long Beach will participate, including shops that have the National Donut Day poster (pictured) in their windows.

• Stop by Sunrise Donuts at 1639 East 7th Street for a few donuts and a Thai Tea. And if you have a just-before-midnight hankering for one of their “light and fluffy” confections, as one Yelp reviewer noted, fear not—there is a 24-hour drive-thru. Be prepared to pay in cash.
• The Donut Place at 5476 Del Amo Boulevard has been supporting The Salvation Army Haven program on donut day for over 20 years and has an impressive selection of the decadent rings of dough.
• Winny’s Donut House at 3505 East South Street is not only participating in the program, but will offer a free donut for every dozen purchased.

Last but not least, if you’re feeling like making the journey over the St. Vincent Thomas Bridge to San Pedro, the USS Iowa at 250 South Harbor Boulevard will host the The Salvation Army’s National Donut Day celebration with a donut-themed festival from 8:00AM to 10:00AM in honor of our veterans. Costumed “donut lassies” will hand out free coffee and donuts to attending veterans, while the aforementioned gourmet donuts will also be offered to the public for any donation to The Salvation Army.