Are you salivating like Homer J. Simpson right now? Today is officially National Doughnut (or Donut) Day in the United States of America. Donut shops big and small are helping folks celebrate with free donuts. Participating retailers include Krispy Creme and Dunkin Donuts.

The first National Doughnut Day happened in 1938. It was a wartime fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army. Now it's mostly just an excuse to have a high calorie treat. The modern day popularity of the donut can arguably be traced back to World War One when volunteer women from the Salvation Army served US servicemen donuts from 'huts' in France. The Palm Beach Post printed an interesting anecdote about frying donuts in metal army helmets.

Krispy Creme outlets are offering ONE free donut per customer with no purchase required. The purchase of a beverage is a requirement for getting your free donut at their competitor Dunkin Donuts.