LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - IHOP is giving away a free short stack of pancakes today to every customer. That means a stack of three free pancakes available from 7 AM to 10 PM. Of course, customers are welcome to make a meal of the pancakes and add beverages and other items to their ticket. 

Customers will also be invited to donate to charity during their visit.

The California-based pancake chain is starting a month's long charity drive with the pancake giveaway. The chain supports the Children's Miracle Network and other children's charities, particularly in areas that lack children's hospitals. Despite dedicating a month to raising funds for the cause, the chain raises most of its proceeds on National Pancake Day.

According to Patrick Lenow, spokesperson for DineEquity, the corporate parent of the IHOP chain, "Depending on the restaurant, it's double or triple the typical day's business. Because of that, many of the restaurants have a wait throughout the day." Lenow suggests visiting in the afternoon, after the breakfast and lunch rushes but before many take off work. 

Lenow also emphasized that all of the money raised for charity stays local, being sent to the nearest hospitals. 

IHOP has more than 1,500 locations in the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and the US Virgin Islands. Most IHOP locations are independent franchises. 

Since IHOP celebrated the first National Pancake Day six years ago, the chain has raised approximately $8 million for charitable causes and expects to raise about $2.7 million this year. 

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