Irvine, Calif. (July 2, 2018) – This summer, Irvine Police Department officers will be rewarding local kids who are caught doing good deeds. For the 23rd year, 7-Eleven is working with local law enforcement to distribute free Slurpee drink coupons to youth through its popular “Operation Chill” community service program.

During 2018, 7-Eleven will issue up to 1.4 million Slurpee coupons to almost 1,100 law enforcement agencies; over 1,000 of those coupons will be distributed in the City of Irvine, most during the summer months and back-to-school season. 

“Irvine Police employees have been giving away Operation Chill Slurpee coupons for many years,” said Jessica Moore, Traffic Programs Supervisor. “We are always looking for ways to help our officers build strong relationships in the community. Operation Chill gives officers an opportunity to interact with the kids in a positive manner while putting a smile on their faces.”

Big-city departments and small-town forces alike use the Slurpee coupons to enhance relationships with the young people of their cities by rewarding them for good deeds, constructive activities and acts of kindness. Appropriate “offenses” might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a community- or police-sponsored event. Although the reasons for being “ticketed” vary, 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.

Operation Chill began in Philadelphia to give law enforcement officers a positive reason to interact with children and teens. Since the program’s inception in 1995, Operation Chill has expanded to cities across the country, distributing almost 21 million Operation Chill coupons.

“Year after year, Operation Chill is our most popular community service program,” said Mark Stinde, Vice President of asset protection for 7-Eleven. “Kids love Slurpee drinks, and police officers love having a reason to approach kids and surprise them with a Slurpee coupon as a reward for doing something good. And we at 7-Eleven love helping them make those important connections in the community.”         

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