TEMPLE, TX — Temple police officers have partnered with 7-Eleven to bring 'Operation Chill'.
Police officers will be handing out free Slurpee coupons to children around the area.
This is a time for police officers to interact with kids and start building a relationship with each other.
Officers spent time at Lion's Junction Water Park handing out free frozen treat coupons. The event was well welcomed by the kids and their parents.
"Building that bond at an early age is really important because these kids can grow up to know that officers are people that they can trust that they can rely on in a time of need," said Cody Weems, Temple PD Media Relations.
Parents really enjoyed seeing the officers walk around the park and bring a smile to their kids' faces.
"He's out their walking in the water with the children given them a coupon for a free Slurpee and they're seeing that officers are friendly they're their friend," said Tayla Davidson, a parent.
They'll be handing coupons out all summer. Officers will be on the lookout for kids practicing good deeds, constructive activities and acts of kindness, and in return a free Slurpee coupon will be given.
7-Eleven says almost 21 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed since the program’s inception in 1995.
“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 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.”
