IHOP is offering free pancakes today with the hope customers will flip the gesture forward. They're hosting their 14th annual free pancake giveaway until 7 p.m. at participating locations.

The dine-in only deal is limited to one short stack per person while supplies last. A short stack of three pancakes usually costs $5.79. While the pancakes are free, the mission is to help children battling critical illnesses, so each stack comes with the suggestion that the diner make a donation to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Shriners Hospitals for Children. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, donations will support UPMC's Children's Hospital.

"Every year we look forward to kicking off our IHOP Free Pancake Day - Flip it Forward for Kids campaign because it combines the two things we love most - pancakes and helping our communities," Stephanie Peterson, IHOP's company spokeswoman, said in a statement .

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