Tuesday is National Pancake Day, and IHOP will be giving away free short stacks of flapjacks, but the restaurant will ask customers to make donations to benefit a trio of charities.
The free short stacks will be offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although select locations will continue the promotion until 10 p.m. Customers will be encouraged to leave a donation, with the proceeds going to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
IHOP said Tuesday's offer is for dine-in customers only, and there is a limit of one per customer.
LINKS: More National Panckake Day info | Find an IHOP location near you
"Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity," said Darren Rebelez, president of IHOP Restaurants.
"Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities."
Since it began in 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has raised $24 million for youth health and wellness organizations. Organizers hope to raise $3.5 million.
In addition to restaurants throughout the United States, National Pancake Day will also be celebrated in Mexico, Canada and the Philippines.
Funds raised at Canada IHOPs will benefit Children's Miracle Network. IHOP locations in Mexico will raise money for Asociacion Mexicana de Ayuda a Ninos con Cancer (AMANC), and funds raised by IHOP restaurants in the Philippines will benefit The Kythe Foundation, which reports providing psychosocial support for young children suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases and their families.
IHOP said it expects to serve 5 million pancakes on Tuesday.
