The Linden Police Department is proud to announce that we have once again partnered with 7-Eleven to bring its popular Operation Chill® community-service program to Linden. All summer long our Officers will be dispensing well-deserved Slurpee® justice to good kids. Det/Lt Abdul Williams, who leads the Linden Police Juvenile Bureau, praised the program as a valuable tool for Officers on patrol to connect with local youth. “Connecting with our community is a top priority, and these coupons are a great way for our Officers to start a conversation and begin building stronger relationships.”
The idea for Operation Chill was based on 7- Eleven stores’ own experience and the fact that nationwide, crime increases during the summer months. Since its inception in 1995, Operation Chill® has grown to include almost 1,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada each year, and more than 19 million coupons have been distributed to officers on the beat in cities and towns where 7 -Eleven does business. “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.”
Officers can award the Slurpee coupons to young people to encourage constructive activities and acts of kindness, such as helping another person, deterring crime or participating in community events. Each coupon can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee at participating 7 -Eleven stores. The end result is the same for every youngster: a free Slurpee drink and a smile for being a good kid.
(above) Officer Michael Forfa with the children of a dad who took the time to email the Linden Police Department to say thank you.
