Giving the gift of milk

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — As the holiday season approaches, one veterinary clinic and its clients are giving back to their communities with milk in the spotlight. Through its “Gallons of Goodness” campaign, Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services has set a goal to donate 3,000 gallons of milk to local food pantries and food banks in a five-county area.

During the one-month campaign, Dairy Doctors is asking its clients and industry supporters to help them reach their goal with a monetary donation that equates to 10 gallons of milk or more.

“We’ve had a great response with more than 1,500 gallons donated in the first week,” said Dr. Chris Booth, one of the owners of Dairy Doctors.
“This campaign provides a simple way for our clients to share their goodwill with others in the community, and it’s neat how they’ve responded and kicked in donations.”

Dairy Doctors will donate the first 100 gallons of milk. For every 10 gallons donated by clients and supporters, the Plymouth-based clinic will donate two additional gallons — up to a total of 400 extra gallons. Dairy Doctors hopes to donate 500 gallons, with clients and other supporters funding the remaining 2,500 gallons to meet their goal.

“Our clients are really excited that we organized this and that they have an opportunity to participate,” Booth said. “They’re dairy farmers and appreciate promoting dairy products and getting those products into the hands of families in need.”

Due to the perishable nature of milk, Dairy Doctors is not donating actual gallons, but rather, the dollar equivalent to match the cost of 3,000 gallons. Contributions will be used by local food pantries and food banks to purchase dairy products for distribution within their communities.

Mary Bender, Dairy Doctors office manager, said the goal is to provide as much milk as possible during the holiday season and beyond.

“We want to share the blessing of wholesome dairy products with others in our communities,” Bender said. “Milk is a unique thing to donate, but there is certainly a need. Our hope is the funds provided will extend weeks and months into the future for each organization to purchase milk and other dairy products.”

Booth and his team initiated a pilot campaign in 2018 that surpassed their 1,000-gallon goal by nearly 2,000 gallons. The donations were sent to two food pantries in Sheboygan County.

“It went over really well,” he said. “We haven’t done it the last few years, but our staff expressed interest in wanting to do some type of community service activity, which spurred us into action again this year.”

The campaign has expanded to reach four additional counties: Manitowoc, Calumet, Fond du Lac and Ozaukee. Donors can choose to give their donation to one or more of the recipient organizations in these counties.

“Our practice area expanded, and we wanted clients in those areas to be able to donate to their local food pantry,” Booth said. “Some have donated to multiple pantries. The campaign is very flexible in allowing people to choose how to apply their dollars.”

As the clinic supports their community, Booth said their efforts are being greeted with generosity that extends beyond their clientele.

“Some of our suppliers and pharmaceutical companies and random people from the community who follow us on Facebook have brought in donations,” Booth said. “A local FFA chapter donated 100 gallons.”

Booth said he was pleased with the number of shares the campaign received when it was announced on Facebook.

“It was mostly our clients sharing it with their families and friends, and it was great to see support for it right away,” he said. “Hopefully, this spurs activity for others around the state and country to set up something similar.”

Dairy Doctors is collecting donations until Nov. 30 and will turn the donations over to the benefiting organizations in early December. Booth said each pantry handles the acquisition in different ways.

“We’re letting them utilize the funds to help expand the system they’ve already created,” he said.

During the holidays, the Gallons of Goodness campaign aims to help those less fortunate enjoy the nutritious benefits of milk — a staple not easily accessible to everyone Bender said. All donations will make a positive impact, she said, as the need is great and continues year-round.

“We challenge people outside of the areas we serve to find out what their local food pantry or food bank does to provide dairy products to those in need,” Bender said. “It’s important to understand that the need is everywhere.”