Today is for doughnuts, charity

Patrick and Zezura Ruddell, owners of Mini Doughnut Factory, possess a commitment to helping charitable causes and making a positive impact.

So today the couple celebrates "National Doughnut Day" in two unique ways: "doughnating" a percentage of the day's sales to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and delivering doughnuts to patients and families at the hospital for the second consecutive day. They also delivered doughnuts to All Children's on Thursday.

The shop at 2109 S Dale Mabry Highway boasts of being one of the first full-size retail locations dedicated to gourmet mini doughnuts in the entire country. Its offerings include funky toppings like Cotton Candy Pop Rocks, cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, a variety of cereals, Pop-Tarts and many more.

It also offers gourmet mini doughnuts, coffee, espresso, lattes, smoothies and doughnut shakes.

For more information, visit minidoughnutfactory.com.

Meanwhile, Dunkin' Donuts will mark National Doughnut Day on Friday by offering customers a free doughnut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage.

The giveaway excludes Croissant Donuts and Squares. The offer is good all day today at participating Dunkin' Donuts nationwide.

Krispy Kreme also will get in on the act, giving every customer a choice of a free doughnut today.

The first Friday in June has been celebrated as National Doughnut Day since the Great Depression. The Salvation Army used it as a way to raise money and awareness for its social services, which among other things provided doughnuts and coffee to American soldiers during World War I.