Carvel kicked off the ice cream season Thursday with its annual Free Cone Day.

Customers who visited participating shops received a free junior soft ice cream cone filled with their choice of freshly made vanilla, chocolate or Cookie Butter, Carvel's newest, limited-time flavor that's inspired by the spreadable treat from Lotus Biscoff.

In addition, Carvel partnered for the sixth year with The American Red Cross to spread good will in support of the charity's annual Giving Day.

While supplies lasted, Carvel offered a $1 coupon book worth more than $20 in Carvel savings, with all proceeds contributing to Carvel's donation to the American Red Cross. Including donations this year, total contributions to support disaster relief efforts exceeded $150,000.

“Free Cone Day is much more than just a ‘freebie’ day” said Scott Colwell, president of Carvel. “Not only is it the official start of ice cream season, but it’s a special day for us to show genuine gratitude to our loyal guests while coming together to raise funds for a very worthy cause.”