Annual 7-Eleven Day canceled, but free drinks still possible

The annual 7-Eleven Day, aka Free Slurpee Day, has been canceled but free frozen drinks are still up for grabs.

While the coronavirus pandemic led the nation’s largest convenience store chain to cancel its in-store birthday celebration and one-day freebie giveaway, members of the 7Rewards loyalty program will get a coupon for a free medium Slurpee added to their accounts Wednesday, July 1.

The closest 7-Eleven stores for Stark County residents are in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

"The personalized offer is redeemable the entire month of July, allowing customers the opportunity to treat themselves when it’s convenient for them, while helping us practice physical distancing in stores," 7-Eleven said in a news release, noting the offer is redeemable once per member.

The annual tradition has been held on July 11, aka 7/11, since 2002, 7-Eleven’s 75th birthday. It has been the company’s busiest day of the year, with millions of visitors, Marissa Jarratt, the chain’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said in the release.

7-Eleven also plans to donate a million free meals to Feeding America, which is considered the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country.

“Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right, but I am heartened that we now have the opportunity to help the communities and neighborhoods that have been the lifeline of our business since 1927,” Jarratt said.

There also will be deals throughout the month on the 7NOW delivery app including $5 whole pizzas and a free Slurpee from July 7-11.

7-Eleven also is piloting a Fuel Loyalty program at participating locations in North and South Orlando Florida, North Texas and Woodbridge, Virginia, the chain announced. The program is designed to "provide contactless payment options to reduce touch and drive instantaneous savings at the pump."

Sign up for 7Rewards or download the app at www.7-eleven.com/7rewards.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko