Volunteers for Virginia Democratic candidates were heading out to knock on doors the day before Election Day. But they were told to gather at the campaign office in a Fairfax Station strip mall first. Why make an extra stop, when you could get right out to door-knocking?

To meet the donut deliverer du jour: former President Barack Obama.

Obama brought Sugar Shack Donuts and cider to thank volunteers and to stump for Tim Kaine, who is running for a second term in the U.S. Senate, and Jennifer Wexton, who is running to unseat Rep. Barbara Comstock in Virginia’s 10th District.

More than 100 volunteers roared with surprise when Obama came through the door.

Students from George Mason University sat on the ground as Obama spoke. In his remarks, Obama said the public used to expect basic human decency from people in office. He said that politics is on the ballot, but so is how Americans treat each other.

“One day, people woke up and said, ‘Oh, I guess we can’t take this for granted anymore. We gotta fight for this,’” Obama said. “But there’s a great awakening … I feel hopeful. You guys make me feel hopeful.”

Obama spoke about his history and how he got involved in politics at a young age. He also tied his background to Wexton, a Virginia state senator.

“As a former state senator, I cannot imagine a better training to be an outstanding public service than to be a state senator,” Obama said. “So I hope everybody’s gonna be out there working hard to elect Jennifer.”

Obama said that it’s easy to get discouraged in today’s political climate, and that one election won’t change that—but over time, change will come. He challenged the crowd to encourage others to vote.

“Make sure the people vote to start making things better,” Obama said at the end of his speech.

Kaine said Obama wanted to attend the volunteer event to support Wexton’s campaign—she’s currently locked in a close with Comstock—but that he also wanted thank volunteers directly.

“He really wanted to be able to surprise and thank these people,” Kaine said. “There’s no better way to thank somebody than have President Obama bring them a doughnut.”

Obama has been on the campaign trail stumping at large rallies for candidates in Florida, Illinois and Indiana. By the time he made it to Virginia, his voice was hoarse.

But Monday’s event was far more intimate than Obama’s usual crowds.  Maybe 150 people were present at the event. The former president was close enough to shake hands, give out doughnuts and take selfies.

Kaine said his campaign staff tried to arrange an event with the president for weeks. It just happened to come together the last day before the election. They were worried the news was going to leak.

But no one in the room knew until Obama walked in the door.

Watch the full video here.

This story originally appeared at WAMU.