“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream,” begins the song, but a nationwide initiative spearheaded by an independent Georgia ice cream shop is putting a patriotic twist on the lyrics.
The “I Pledge Project” offers kids 12 and under a free scoop of ice cream at participating stores as long as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance instead of yelling.
Now in its 14th year, the I Pledge Project began in 2010 at Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia.
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“Our company has been rooted in patriotism ever since my father served in World War I,” Stratton Leopold said in a phone interview with Fox News Digital.
“And my brothers, my siblings, and my cousins. [served] In World War II.”
Stratton Leopold (left) of Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, told Fox News Digital that his company is “rooted in patriotism.” (Leopold's Ice Cream)
Stratton and his wife, Mary, own Leopold Ice Cream.
The idea for the “I Pledge Project” came from Jean Macchi, a Leopold Ice Cream customer and teacher.
Macki suggested offering free ice cream to children who recite the Pledge of Allegiance on the Fourth of July.
This project seamlessly blends ice cream and patriotism.
“I said, 'Oh, I love this whole idea,'” Mary Leopold recalled to Fox News Digital.
She decided to expand the match idea because she wanted to “devote more time and do more for kids than just the Fourth of July.”
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July is also “National Ice Cream Month,” she noted, which made for a seamless blend of ice cream and patriotism.
News of the “I Pledge Project” spread after the Leopolds won a Best Promotion award from the National Ice Cream Retailers Association.
“Mary is on the board of directors for the National Ice Cream Retailers Association, so we just said, 'Well, come on, let's tell them about this,'” Stratton Leopold recalled.
“And then they gave us an award.”
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“After winning the award, I was immediately fired up with the idea that every kid and every ice cream shop across the country should be doing this,” he added.
The idea for the “I Pledge Project” came from a Leopold Ice Cream customer who suggested it as a community event. Here, children recite the Pledge of Allegiance. (Leopold Ice Cream)
The Leopolds have created a website for the project, which also includes promotional materials that other independent ice cream shops can use to roll out the program.
A list of participating ice cream shops can be found on the website.
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Stores in 42 states are currently participating, and customers are encouraged to contact their local stores for more information about the promotion.
The Leopolds have created an “I Pledge Project” website with promotional materials to encourage other independent ice cream shops to host their own “I Pledge” events. (Leopold's Ice Cream)
“My dream is to have it in all 50 states,” Mary Leopold said.
“It's very close, but there are still some outliers.”
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Despite the exceptions, the Leopolds said they are pleased that their project is spreading and helping to promote civic education among children.
“It's nice,” Mary Leopold said. “The community is grateful, the kids are grateful.”
“Please bring your family and friends!”
She also said, “And all you have to do is hand out some ice cream. It's a no-brainer.”
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The website clearly explains how it works.
“If you're a kid and you love ice cream, come along to any of the participating ice cream or candy stores listed on this website and recite the Pledge of Allegiance,” it reads. “We'll reward your patriotism with a free scoop of ice cream! It's that easy! Bring your family and friends!”
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More information available at ipledgeforicecream.com
Christine Roussel is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.