June 16, 2016 – Each year, 7-Eleven, Inc. helps thousands of local police officers recognize the good guys, specifically the young ones. For the 21st year, 7-Eleven is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the country to distribute free Slurpee® drink coupons through Operation Chill®, its popular community-service program.
Big-city departments and small-town forces alike use the Slurpee coupons to enhance relations with the young people of their cities by rewarding them for good deeds, positive activities and acts of kindness.
“The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol in the community,” said Captain Jim Mulligan. “It’s an icebreaker, a way to encourage dialogue in a non-threatening, non-law enforcement situation.”
Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months, when communities may experience increases in loitering, shoplifting and graffiti, and to support law enforcement agencies’ community relations projects.
Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 15 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores. During 2016, up to 1.28 million coupons will be issued nationally; most during the summer months and back-to-school season.
Begun in Philadelphia to give law enforcement officers a positive reason to interact with children and teens, Operation Chill has expanded to cities across the country. Through Operation Chill, law enforcement officers from participating local police and sheriff’s departments can “ticket” youngsters caught in the act of doing good with Slurpee beverage coupons. Appropriate “offenses” might include helping another person, deterring crime, or participating in a positive activity in the community. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven stores.
“I don’t know who likes the Operation Chill program more, police officers or kids,” said Mark Stinde, 7-Eleven vice president Asset Protection. “Police officers have told us they love having a positive reason to approach kids and surprise them with a Slurpee coupon, just for being good citizens.”
“With Slurpee coupons available to distribute in Fort Myers through Operation Chill, we hope to see a great deal of good behavior from kids in our community,” said Chief Dennis Eads.
7-Eleven’s proprietary Slurpee semi-frozen carbonated beverage is celebrating its 50th birthday this year with ongoing promotions and celebrations. The iconic drink has generational appeal with slurpers both young and old. More than a half-million Slurpee drinks are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country.
Jim Mulligan
Captain – Operations Bureau/Public Information Office
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7774 office
(239) 461-4672 fax