Spartas Kids Can Get A Slurpee Ticket For Doing Something Good

SPARTA, NJ — Sparta children caught doing something good will be issued a "ticket" for a free Slurpee from 7-Eleven as part of "Operation Chill."

The effort is simple: children that are caught doing something good, or being safe, by a police officer will be given a coupon for a free Slurpee from the local 7-Eleven. The program started on July 1 in Sparta, and police have 350 coupons to give out during the summer months.

"The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol in Sparta," said Lt. John T. Lamon. "It's an icebreaker, a way to encourage dialogue in a non-threatening, non-law enforcement situation. We have been giving away Operation Chill Slurpee coupons for the past several years, and I think our officers are almost excited to give them out as the kids are to receive them."

Chief Neil Spidaletto agreed, saying the Slurpees are a community building tool.

"We are always looking for ways to help our officers build strong relationships in the community," said Chief Neil Spidaletto. "Operation Chill makes it easy to interact with kids in a positive way, this is a great short and long term investment for 7-Eleven and for us."

Operation Chill started in 1995 in Philadelphia, as way for police officers to interact positively with children. In the years since, over 21 million coupons have been given out to local law enforcement agencies.

"There’s a reason Operation Chill continues to be our most popular community service program," said Art Lazo, 7-Eleven Vice President of asset protection. "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. We, at 7-Eleven, know how important it is for police officers to make those important positive connections with kids early."