Since the program's inception in 1995, nearly 10 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores, the company said. Almost 800,000 Slurpee coupons will be issued in 2009, most during the summer months and back-to-school season.
The retailer developed Operation Chill 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. Police use the Operation Chill program to reward youth for their good deeds as well as enhance their relations with the young people of their city.
"This program is a big hit with both law enforcement agencies and kids," said Mike Raymond, director of 7-Eleven loss prevention. "Police officers have told us they love having a positive reason to approach kids and thank them for being good citizens."
Raymond added that police departments start contacting 7-Eleven early each year to sign up for the annual program. Areas already participating in this year's program include Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Orlando, Tampa, Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
"With nearly a million free Slurpee coupons available to distribute across the country through Operation Chill, we hope to see a great deal of good behavior from kids in our communities," Raymond said.
Dallas-based 7 Eleven operates, franchises or licenses approximately 7,800 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 36,200 stores in 15 countries. During 2008, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion.
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