Paczki Day falls on Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, which comes before the start of Lent for Christians. It was traditionally a day to use ingredients before giving up rich foods for Lent.

“For Paczki Day, we start at 8 p.m. the night before,” said Simms. “We basically double our staff. We get every family, friend, volunteer that we can. It’s a busy day.” twilhelm ...