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There’s never been a better time to eat ice cream (or purchase a gallon of milk for someone in need). You can do both this November at the Purple Door scoop shop.

Since they opened their scoop shop at 205 S. 2nd St. six years ago, Purple Door owners Lauren and Steve Schultz have set aside a portion of the profits from every ice cream cone, sundae and shake sold. That money has been used to purchase gallons of milk for donation to shelters including The Guest House, The Cathedral Center, Pathfinders and Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center.

The Milk for Milwaukee initiative began small, with just a few gallons of milk being donated each month, but the program has now grown enough that it provides each shelter with their yearly fresh milk needs, ensuring that residents are provided with a nutritious source of calcium.

In fact, to date, Purple Door has donated 9,900 gallons of Milwaukee to area shelters.

Beginning Nov. 1, it is inviting customers to help reach its goal of 10,000 gallons – both by eating ice cream and considering the purchase of one or more gallons of milk, all of which will be donated to the cause.

"Milk for Milwaukee has been essential to the spirit of Purple Door," notes Steve Schultz. "When we started Purple Door, we wanted to create a business model that gave back to the community as much as the community was giving to Purple Door. At that moment when you making giving back to the community an important part of your business model, you go from a business relationship with your customers/community to a personal relationship.

"It's that personal relationship (as well as knowing we are doing more than just selling ice cream to pay the bills) that gives purpose and meaning to Lauren and myself and Purple Door. The focus on investing in our community is what has gotten us through some of the most trying moments of this job."

During the milk drive, each milk purchase will be marked by the sound of a cow bell, a celebratory gesture letting other guests know that you were kind enough to "pay it forward."

The drive will last as long as it takes to reach the 10,000-gallon milestone. Our realistic timeline is to hit it by Christmas. Our ambitious goal is to be there by the end of November! After hitting the 10,000 mark Milk for Milwaukee will continue as usual.

"Milk for Milwaukee only works if our community is supporting and believing in us," adds Schultz. "We are nearing this milestone because of the support we have had from our customers. So, of course, we want to walk to this 10,000 gallon milestone with our customers right there with us."