IRVING, Texas — Back for its 27th consecutive year, 7 -Eleven’s community outreach program, Operation Chill, allows local law enforcement agencies to make positive connections with their community’s youth through free Slurpee drink coupons.
7-Eleven this year will issue more than 650,000 coupons to more than 1,200 participating law enforcement agencies that will, in turn, be rewarded to children in their local communities seen observing safety rules, participating in positive activities or performing good deeds and acts of kindness, the Irving, Texas-based company said.
Each coupon can be redeemed for one free small Slurpee. Although the reasons for being rewarded vary—wearing a helmet while riding a bike, picking up litter, helping a neighbor or holding the door open—the result is the same: a free Slurpee drink and encouragement for being a great citizen. In addition, this summer, kids can use their coupon for new Slurpee flavors including Mango Lemonade.
- 7-Eleven, Irving, Texas, is No. 1 on CSP’s 2022 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
“It’s no surprise that Operation Chill continues to be our most popular community engagement program. Through a simple Slurpee coupon, officers can easily connect and engage with their local youth, helping to build long-term positive relationships,” said 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “With more law enforcement agencies participating in the program than ever before, we’re thrilled to create more positive interactions and memories between officers and youth this summer.”
Last year, the Operation Chill program was completely reimagined into an innovative, digital experience, complete with the launch of a new website where law enforcement agencies can register online, request Slurpee drink coupons and access best practices, tools and tips for making Operation Chill a success in their communities, 7-Eleven said.
In addition, the Operation Chill logo and social media assets were updated, ensuring that the program continues to remain fresh, fun and engaging. The reimagination resulted in 300 more law enforcement agencies participating than in previous years, and coupon redemptions increased 70%, 7-Eleven said.
“The relationship between law enforcement and the people we serve, especially our youth, is vital to effective community policing,” said Chief Eddie Garcia of the Dallas Police Department. “It is important for this department to build a strong relationship with our youth across the city. Not only does this program give us the opportunity to thank our kids and teens for good deeds in our community, but it helps us to build a positive foundation with them and leads to a stronger and safer Dallas.”
Operation Chill was founded in Philadelphia with a goal to give police a positive way to interact with children and teens. Since its inception in 1995, Operation Chill has expanded to hundreds of cities across the country, donating more than 24 million coupons to U.S. law enforcement agencies in 7-Eleven communities.
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 77,700 stores in 19 countries and regions, including about 13,000 in the United States, including approximately 9,500 under the 7-Eleven banner, around 3,800 under the Speedway banner and about 500 under the Stripes flag, as well as the Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits brands.
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