Law enforcement in Greenfield, Indiana, and Saginaw, Michigan, are teaming up with Dairy Queen and 7-Eleven this summer to launch community outreach initiatives aimed at rewarding well-behaved children with free frozen treats.
The programs seek to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community while encouraging positive behavior among youth.
In Indiana, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Greenfield Police Department joined forces with Dairy Queen to distribute coupons for free Dilly bars or ice cream cones to local kids who exhibit good behavior.
“It’s always great to build stronger relationships in the community through these programs,” said HCSD Deputy Jeff Dixon, who is organizing the initiative. “Little things make a big difference.”
HCSD Captain Robert Harris explained the objective of the program and how kids can win the prizes.
“We always want the kids to be safe on their bicycles, wearing their safety helmets, crossing the streets and intersections where they are supposed to, so when we see kids doing what they should, we want to reward them, raise awareness and improve community relationships,” Harris said.
Deputy Chief Charles McMichael of the Greenfield P.D. also announced a partnership with Speedway, where coupons for a small Slurpee will be given to children who demonstrate positive behavior.
McMichael hopes that through the program, children will be able to engage with law enforcement in a way that builds trust.
“We want to show kids in this community that officers and deputies are good people and we’re just like everyone else,” McMichael said.
In Michigan, the Saginaw Police Department is once again launching its annual community outreach program, Operation Chill, in collaboration with 7-Eleven.
“Building relationships with the people we serve is integral to our role as law enforcement officers,” Saginaw Chief of Police Bob Ruth said of the program. “A free Slurpee drink coupon is an easy and effective way for officers to build positive engagement with youth.”
Operation Chill, now in its 28th year, is one of 7-Eleven’s community outreach programs, spanning over 1,300 participating law enforcement agencies nationwide.
This year, nearly 500,000 coupons will be issued, redeemable for a free small Slurpee drink at any participating 7-Eleven or Speedway store. (The addition of Speedway stores to the program comes after its acquisition by 7-Eleven Inc. in 2021.)
Marissa Jarratt, executive vice president and chief marketing and sustainability officer at 7-Eleven, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the Operation Chill program to more neighborhoods, including Speedway locations, and fostering positive, long-term relationships between law enforcement officers and children.
“By bringing local law enforcement officers and neighborhood kids together, we’re helping to create positive long-term relationships that are key to building thriving communities,” Jarratt explained. “And with Speedway stores now participating in Operation Chill, we are thrilled to be bringing this popular community engagement program to even more neighborhoods than ever this summer.”
In addition to these ice cream and Slurpee initiatives, local law enforcement agencies in various other cities are implementing similar youth engagement programs.
For example, in Oceanside, California, police are continuing their Random Acts of Kindness Project, where officers surprise kids who engage in positive activities with gift cards, funded by community donors and department contributions.
“This effort will help deepen community connections and is a way for officers to connect with the youngest generation,” Oceanside Police Chief Kedrick Sadler said. “We want our young people to know that we are here to help them.”
Oceanside Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza stressed the importance of community engagement.
“I would not be in the position I am in if not for a police officer who took the time to speak with me when I was a teen. I never forgot that encounter, and it set my sights on a career where I could serve others,” Atenza said.
