Deputies Reward Kids for Doing Good Deeds

Do a good deed, get a free Slurpee.

Welcome to Operation Chill, a summer enhancement program from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department that rewards kids' positive behavior and community involvement. And for the sixth year, will participate.

Deputies patrolling the foothills, including La Cañada and La Crescenta, will keep a supply of 7-Eleven Slurpee coupons in their
patrol cars' glove boxes, said Sgt. Mark Slater. That way, deputies can "ticket" any deserving youth.

"Once the word gets out, kids look for the deputies. So it will last until all coupons are gone,'' he said.

The 7-Eleven Corporation has sponsored Operation Chill Since 1996, Slater said. The tickets are coupons good for a free 12-oz Slurpee at any participating 7-Eleven store. The closest store to La Cañada is the Montrose location at 2759 Montrose Ave.

In addition to rewarding good behavior by youth, Operation Chill offers opportunities for officers to interact with youngsters in a non-law-enforcement situation, he said.

Coupon giving situations include rewarding kids for wearing
their bicycle helmets, participating in community activities, picking up trash, deterring crime, or observing any state or local law.