7‑Eleven, Inc. celebrates a generation of good behavior this year. For 20 years, U.S. police officers have been ticketing kids with Operation Chill FREE Slurpee drink coupons.  Many of those kids are adults now, and may even have children of their own who are eligible to receive a frozen treat for good behavior, compliments of 7-Eleven and the local law enforcement agency.

Operation Chill began in Philadelphia to give law enforcement officers a positive reason to interact with children and teens.  Through Operation Chill, law enforcement officers from participating local police and sheriff’s departments can “ticket” youngsters caught in the act of doing good with Slurpee beverage coupons.  Appropriate “offenses” might include helping another person, reporting crime or participating in a positive activity in the community. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at a participating 7-11 store.

Since the program’s inception in 1995, nearly 14 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-11 stores are located.  During 2015, up to 1.25 million coupons will be issued nationally during the summer months and back-to-school season.

“The coupon allows the officers an opportunity to recognize young people performing good deeds in their community,” said Chief Robert Castro. “It is a positive contact with an officer and a lasting memory for a child.”