The Chill is On

7-Eleven's Operation Chill® Lets Thousands of Local Cops Connect with Kids through Free Slurpee® Drink Coupons

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Jun 27, 2019, 09:30 ET

IRVING, Texas, June 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Police departments across the country count on local residents to help them do their jobs and keep neighborhoods safe by observing their surroundings and reporting when things seem amiss. To do that, it is important that officers start building positive relationships with citizens early – even when they're kids. For 24 years, 7-Eleven, Inc. and its popular Operation Chill^®program have been doing just that.

A San Diego Police Officer “tickets” a young resident with an Operation Chill® free Slurpee drink coupon. Each year, 7-Eleven distributes special Slurpee coupons to more than 1,000 U.S. police and sheriff’s departments to give to kids they “catch” doing something good. Counting this year, the world’s largest retailer has donated more than 22 million Operation Chill coupons since 1995.

This summer, thousands of local law enforcement officers in the U.S. will give free Slurpee drink coupons to kids caught doing good deeds. Each year, 7-Eleven works with police and sheriff's departments to distribute the coupons to deserving children and youth.

During 2019, 7-Eleven will issue 1.475 million Slurpee drink coupons to more than 1,100 law enforcement agencies*. Most will be distributed during the summer months and back-to-school season.

Big city police departments and small-town forces alike use the Slurpee drink coupons to enhance relationships with young people by rewarding them for good deeds, constructive activities and acts of kindness. Appropriate "offenses" might include helping another person, following safety and traffic laws, or taking part in a community- or police-sponsored event. Although the reasons for being "ticketed" are varied, the result is the same for every youngster: a free Slurpee drink and a smile for being a good kid. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven® stores.

"The goal of the San Diego Police Department is to develop strong community relations in order to keep everyone safe," said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. "That includes building relationships with the younger members of our community. Being able to bring a smile to a child's face is always rewarding."

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. Since the program's inception in 1995, including this year, more than 22 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores.

"There's a reason Operation Chill continues to be our most popular community service program," said Art Lazo, 7-Eleven vice president of asset protection. "Kids love Slurpee drinks, and police officers love having a reason to approach kids and surprise them with a Slurpee drink coupon as a reward for doing something good. We, at 7-Eleven, know how important it is for police officers to make positive connections with kids early."

7-Eleven's proprietary Slurpee semi-frozen carbonated beverage has generational appeal with thirsty kids of all ages. More than a half-million Slurpee drinks are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country. This summer's flavor lineup includes Slurpee Lite® sugar-free Lemonade made with all-natural flavors.

*For a full list of law enforcement agencies, reach out to [email protected].

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 68,000 stores in 17 countries, including 11,800 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee^®, Big Bite^® and Big Gulp^®, 7‑Eleven has expanded into high-quality sandwiches, salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini beef tacos. 7‑Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select^® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers can earn and redeem points on assorted items in stores nationwide through its 7Rewards^® loyalty program, place an order in the 7NOW^® delivery app in 27 participating markets, or rely on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.