Uhhh, how many have you had today?! Ha! How did the tradition start?! Check out this story: https://salvationarmynorth.org/2013/06/a-taste-of-history-fried-dough-front-lines-the-salvation-army/
And for some donut freebies locally here ya go:
-@krispykreme- One free donut, no purchase necessary
-@MyShipleyDonuts- Free donut with any purchase
-@dunkindonuts- Free donut w/ purchase of any beverage.