DENVER | Denver-based LaMar’s Donuts will be celebrating National Donut Day June 2 by offering free donuts and, at participating locations, free coffee mugs.
Everyone who visits LaMar’s Donuts June 2 gets a free donut by printing off a special Golden Ticket and presenting it at the counter. At certain locations, when customers make a purchase they can also receive a free coffee mug. Limits apply.
According to a news release from LaMar’s, National Donut Day is celebrated the first Friday of every June, a tradition dating back 100 years to 1917, when female Salvation Army volunteers known as “Lassies” made donuts for soldiers on the front lines of World War I. A new generation of Salvation Army Lassies will visit Denver’s VA Hospital on National Donut Day to provide donuts and coffee to American veterans.
In addition to the free donut offer on June 2, LaMar’s will offer active duty military a free donut and coffee on Memorial Day, at certain locations including 10001 E. Iliff Ave. in Aurora.
Leading up to National Donut Day, LaMar’s Donuts will also experiment May 31 with “dronut” delivery — using drones to deliver donuts.
Initial “dronut” drop locations are limited and include the entrance of the Denver City and County Building, the Denver Police Administration Building, the Denver Fire Department Headquarters and the 16th Street Mall, between Champa and Stout Streets.
“We were intrigued by drone delivery services starting around the world so we decided to experiment with our own drone delivery,” LaMar’s spokesperson Temi Osifodunrin said in a statement. “At the moment, this is not available for everyday use, but we are looking at how to incorporate this into our options. Why just deliver donuts when you can deliver dronuts?”
As part of the dronut delivery campaign, LaMar’s will hold sweepstakes at all stores, with a grand prize of a drone. Second prize nets free donuts for a year (1 dozen each month), and third prize will include 10 winners of $25 LaMar’s gift cards. Sweepstakes will be in-store from May 29 to June 30.
LaMar’s Donuts is also partnering with National Donut Day founders Salvation Army by holding its annual western states fundraising campaign the charitable organization.
Donation kettles will be at participating locations for National Donut Day and throughout the month of June. Proceeds of the campaign will go toward Salvation Army programs.
Additionally, LaMar’s stores are donating a portion of proceeds from Colorado stores the week of May 29 to Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army’s tireless mission to keep children clothed, sheltered and fed is an enduring reminder that many of our neighbors are in need,” Osifodunrin said. “LaMar’s is inviting communities we serve into our shops for free donuts and ask only that they consider donating to a praiseworthy cause.”
For more information on the sweepstakes, go to LaMars.com/sweepstakes.