IHOP National Pancake Day Tuesday

Expect lines and crowds at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Tuesday, Feb. 5, as customers line up for a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes.

IHOP started National Pancake Day in 2006, asking customers to leave a donation for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals when they come in for free pancakes.

Since 2006, the restaurant chain has raised more than $10 million to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities, the company has reported.

Our local IHOP is at 13718 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

The closest Children’s Miracle Network hospital is the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals funds are often used to purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible," according to the organization's website.

Nationwide, IHOP is hoping to raise $3 million in 2013.