Whether or not you\u2019ve had the COVID-19 vaccine, Krispy Kreme has a freebie for everyone on Mondays through May 24.<\/p>\n
Unlike the chain’s free doughnuts for the rest of 2021 giveaway that requires showing a valid COVID-19 vaccination card, everybody is eligible to take part in Krispy Kreme’s ongoing Monday promotion for a free medium coffee and a free Original Glazed doughnut. No purchase is necessary.<\/p>\n
“It’s a new work week, it’s been a long year since lockdown so why don’t you take out a little time for yourself and have a nice cup of coffee and a doughnut,”\u00a0Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer, told USA TODAY.<\/p>\n
Save better, spend better:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here<\/span><\/p>\n The Monday promotion is available at participating U.S.\u00a0Krispy Kreme\u00a0shops while supplies last. It’s not valid with online orders or with any other offer or coupon.\u00a0According to the fine print, it\u2019s not valid in Puerto Rico, Times Square, Dothan, Alabama or Uncasville, Connecticut shops.<\/p>\n Krispy Kreme backlash: <\/strong>Krispy Kreme CEO defends free doughnuts offer to those vaccinated: ‘If folks don’t want to visit a donut shop, they don’t have to.’<\/span><\/p>\n J.C. Penney pushes store closings to May: <\/strong>Will your store shutter? See the updated closure list.<\/span><\/p>\n The deal was announced March 22, the same day Krispy Kreme kicked off free doughnuts for getting the vaccine. It also announced, \u201cBe Sweet Weekends,” where every weekend through May 23 you get a “Be Sweet Dozen” for $1 when you buy any dozen doughnuts.<\/p>\n Krispy Kreme\u00a0is offering up to four hours of paid time off for each COVID-19 vaccination for its employees.\u00a0And it isn’t alone.\u00a0Businesses\u00a0including retailers such as\u00a0Best Buy,\u00a0Target and Trader Joe’s, have been\u00a0providing paid time off to employees who get the vaccine.<\/p>\n While many companies are giving employees\u00a0motivation, Krispy Kreme appears to be the first national chain to provide consumers with a treat. It has also given out free doughnuts on special occasions\u00a0like Halloween for wearing a costume,\u00a0Election Day\u00a0and recently on\u00a0St. Patrick’s Day for consumers who wore green.<\/p>\n We’d like to show sweet support to those who have received the COVID-19 Vaccine. Starting today, bring your Vaccine Card to a Krispy Kreme shop and get 1 FREE Original Glazed doughnut. No chance to get your Vaccine? This will run thru end of 2021. Info at https:\/\/t.co\/gWnWhXOKKqpic.twitter.com\/UqmDLne5E9<\/p>\n But the vaccine promotion has been met with some backlash.<\/p>\n Some critics took a swipe at the promotion, citing the health effects\u00a0of eating a doughnut daily, especially during a pandemic that\u2019s harder on the obese. Others said the offer discriminates against people who don\u2019t want the vaccine.<\/p>\nFree\u00a0Krispy Kreme for vaccine<\/h2>\n