Coupon program promotes kids getting active outside

By Julia Wolf

Thanks to the combined efforts of alderperson Ashley Carothers and the Cornell Police Department, youth seen outside, doing good and being active, could get a coupon for a sweet treat.

The police department will hand out ice cream coupons to The Main Scoop and Dylan’s Dairy, throughout the summer.

to jump on board with the idea.

She says she decided to partner with the police department, because she doesn’t want youth to be OK with stranger danger. Carothers says she thought it would be a good idea for someone children know they can trust, disburse the coupons.

“That also gives them the chance to get to know our officers and get familiar with some of those officers,” said Cariothers. “That way, if something were to ever happen, or if they were to ever need help, then they know who to look for.”

The ice cream coupons are for any kid seen outside.

“Basically, just being a kid,” said Carothers.

Carothers says finding a kid who is mowing the lawn, raking leaves or helping someone across the street, are some examples of things officers are looking for. She says the kids could also be recognized for something as simple as wearing a helmet while biking, roller blading or skateboarding.

“We want them to, of course, be safe, but we just want people to get out and be active,” said Carothers. “See what all

This is the second summer Carothers and the department have partnered to offer the treats.

Carothers says the idea to hand out ice cream coupons, came about while scrolling through social media.

“So, then I just went and bought a bunch of them,” said Carothers, adding the police department was quick the city has to offer.”