7-Eleven and local police reward kids for good behavior with Slurpee coupons.
7-Eleven and local police team up this summer in Operation Chill where police will cite kids and teens who have good behavior, and reward them with a “Free Slurpee” coupon.
The c-store retailer plans to distribute 1 million coupons to more than 600 agencies across the U.S. as part of this community service program that was introduced 17 years ago in Philadelphia.
“Uniformed police officers can be intimidating to many kids,” said Mark Stinde, 7-Eleven’s vice president of asset protection. “Recognizing good behavior helps build positive relationships between local law enforcement agencies and young people and encourages good behavior with a favorite summertime treat.”
Law enforcement officers in participating communities will “ticket” kids who are caught doing random acts of kindness, which includes helping other people out, wearing a bike helmet, stopping crime or participating in a police athletic league.
“What kid doesn’t love a free Slurpee drink?” Stinde said. “Having a reason to approach youngsters in a non-authoritative role gives police officers an opportunity to build long-term positive connections in the community.”
Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to help out local communities to deter loitering, shoplifting and graffiti. Law enforcement agencies in the greater Los Angeles, San Diego, Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, Denver and Las Vegas-areas are already participating in this year’s program.