Hey, it's National Donut Day -- so get your FREE donut at some of the nation's biggest chains. 

Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts will be giving them away to celebrate -- although at Dunkin' you also have to buy a drink. But as HLN's Jennifer Westhoven points out, "coffee does go pretty well with doughnuts" so it's a win-win. 

Why are we celebrating? It's actually more than just a clever ploy to get you to eat carbs again. According to the National Donut Day website, this 'holey' holiday was cooked up back in 1938. It was invented by the Salvation Army to honor the women who cooked donuts (in helmets, according to the Salvation Army) and served them to soldiers during World War I. It started as a local thing in Chicago, but lucky for those of us outside 'the loop,' it's gone national. 

Of course, it's also a way to raise funds for and awareness about the Salvation Army, so when you're done licking that last little bit of glaze off your fingers, consider texting “DONUT” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

To find the nearest Krispy Kreme, click here for their store locator,  and click here for directions to a Dunkin Donuts near you.